MACON, Ga. — A Northeast High School alumnus came back to campus today to talk to students about the true meaning of service.
Brigadier Gen. Kelvin D. McElroy came back to his alma mater to speak and inspire students in the JROTC program. He said he sees a lot of himself in these kids, and his main message is simple: to go, inspire and serve.
"The village here opened my eyes to where I wanted to be," McElroy said. "It was a great place to learn, a great place to figure out what we wanted to do as we looked forward to our future."
McElroy grew up in the Fort Hill neighborhood, went to Northeast High School and graduated from Fort Valley State University.
He served as an air defense artillery officer before joining the Air Force Reserve in 2000. Now, he's the commander of the Force Generation Center at Robins Air Force Base.
On Thursday, McElroy came back to his stomping grounds, spoke to JROTC students and took a trip down memory lane, walking the halls and admiring the changes.
"It's not about me, it's all about making it better for the next generation," McElroy said. "Not even the fact that it's for my family or my children, but it's for anyone that's coming behind me. If I can leave it better or do something better to encourage them, that is what I'm after."
McElroy says throughout his journey, he's learned a few things he wanted to pass along. To him, it's all about perspective, action and will.
"You have to have enough courage to get started, enough sense to focus on something you're naturally suited for, and enough perseverance to stay the course with lots of hard work," McElroy said.
McElroy said it's inspiring to share his story because it reassures the students that they are on the right path.
"I looked out in the crowd and someone was listening," McElroy said. "Several people were listening but it sat home with someone. I'm hoping it will give them hope and give them the inspiration to stay committed."
After talking to the students, McElroy took the time to talk to some of them one-on-one. He hopes these students left the auditorium ready to serve.
"The majority of the questions were 'Where can we start?' 'What can we do?' 'How can we contribute?' I'm pleasantly surprised that they're looking to say what can I do for my community, my country more than something for myself," he said.
Since joining the reserve, McElroy has held numerous positions including Chief of Supply and Fuels, Air Force ROTC instructor, Deputy of War Fighter Logistics and Maintenance Squadron Commander.