Posted by Andrew Kerber on February 10, 2010:

I am sorry it took so long to compose this, but I had not heard about LTG Scotts death until this past summer, and it took some time for my thoughts and memories to crystallize into something I felt was worth writing. It was my honor and pleasure to have met LTG Scott at one of the most difficult points in my life. At the time I did not realize what an honor it was, and I sure didn't consider it a pleasure of course, but it was a situation that I had put myself into and one I would have to eventually work myself out of. Though I did not see it at the time, looking back at it now 25 years later, I can see that he dealt with me with more understanding and true compassion than I deserved. I was in the class of 1985, and of course I marched in the parade that welcomed LTG Scott to the academy. Over the course of my time there, I developed a less than stellar record in conduct, including over 100 hours on the area. My firstie year, I went over the 6 month total on demerits twice, which of course put me liable to be expelled. The first time I went over, I was placed on conduct probation, and since I did it again the second semester, that put me very much on the hot seat. However, it didn't reach culmination until May of my firstie year. I knew that my Tac officer, and the RTO had both recommended that I be expelled. Evidently this recommendation didn't reach LTG Scott until graduation day. LTG Scott took the time, on graduation day, to call me to his quarters and personally explain what was going to happen. He was already dressed in whites for the graduation parade. He had decided not to expel me, but rather sent me to be a drill cadet again, for 3 months. He also directed that I march in the graduation parade, which was unexpected. While I did not really appreciate it at the time, being too relieved at simple not being expelled, he clearly wanted to comfort me to the best of his ability on my not graduating with his class. To this day I regret the fact that I declined his offer of coffee (which I didn't drink much at the time) that I am sure was intended to put me more at ease. In August, I returned to the academy having lost about 25 lbs, and a lot sleep, for graduation. As I recall, there were 2 other cadets graduating with me, though I don't recall their names. General Scott was there, along with other officers, and a small band. The ceremony was held in Grant Hall. At the start of the ceremony, the band played the National Anthem, the entire crowd stood as they played, but General Scott sang along with the band. None of the other officers even sang. Toward the end, others of us joined in, but it was General Scott showing the unabashed love of country that was one of his hallmarks that shamed us into joining in. Andrew Kerber USMA '85 Blue Springs, MO

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