Earl Robert Kelton

West Point, 1964

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by John Holewa on June 25, 2012:

I would like to add a cadet note of appreciation for LTC Kelton. He was my English instructor, twice in my plebe year, 1972-73. He used to call me Big H. because I am six and a half feet tall. He was a model officer. By example, he made military life compelling and yet he could take a step back from it. Often said in class "Now, do not just be good cadets, be good students". Then he was CPT Kelton and he made a huge difference for me and unknowingly for my younger brothers. He taught me how to write and how to be more confident leader, to look at a situation squarely, calmly and to make a solid decision. He instilled in his students the character required to become a great officer while teaching English. Ultimately, my career took a path away from the Army into economics and investment management. To this day however, his direction informs how I approach any writing exercise. And I passed along what he taught me to my younger brothers; one became a journalist. His decency and humanity became and continue to be guidelines for the conduct of my life. LTC Kelton is sorely missed.

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