Atten-hut, a 4-star general
In a Veterans Day dinner, decorated U.S. Marine James Amos credits his UI mentors in 960s for their guidance
MOSCOW — Six hundred people gathered Monday in the ICCU Arena on the University of Idaho campus to celebrate veterans and listen to one of the university’s most accomplished graduates.
James Amos, a retired four-star general and 35th commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, was the keynote speaker at the annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner. Amos was also present at the annual wreath-laying ceremony earlier in the day on the UI Administration Building lawn.
Amos told the crowd at the ICCU Arena that he was “a bit of a lost soul” when he first arrived on the Moscow campus as a UI freshman in 1965.
He credited his UI mentors for putting him on a trajectory that led to his decorated military career.
“Had they written me off, I surely wouldn’t be here standing in front of you tonight,” he said.
After graduating in 1970, Amos joined the Marines and was a pilot in numerous squadrons. He worked his way up the ranks until he became commandant of the USMC in 2010 in the midst of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. He retired from active duty in 2014.
On Monday, Amos spoke about his work to help veterans after they have served. He said despite the widespread patriotism that emerged following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, veteran unemployment ballooned until it peaked in 2010.
Amos said he and other leaders in Washington, D.C., initiated Hiring Our Heroes, a program that connects service members, veterans and military spouses with employers.
He said veteran unemployment is now “markedly” lower than nonveteran unemployment rate.
Amos said veterans bring leadership, adaptability and problem-solving skills to the workforce. He said they understand the value of diversity.
“There’s not a force, there’s not a business, there’s not an organization in the United States of America that’s more diverse than the American military,” he said.
Amos said employers are recognizing their attributes and are now hiring veterans “in spades.”
“It warms my heart as a former service chief,” Amos said.
Amos holds an honorary doctorate degree from UI. He lives in Charlotte, N.C. with Bonnie, his wife of 54 years. Bonnie grew up in Pullman and attended Pullman High School.
During Monday’s event, UI band members played each of the military branch songs, and the service members and veterans in the crowd stood up to be recognized.
Kuipers can be reached at akuipers@dnews.com.
