Engelbert E Mbog-Hob

West Point, 2004

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Mona Pelkey on November 16, 2004:

As a staff member here at West Point, I knew Eric his entire cadet career. He exhibited a real desire to learn and he had a positive, stick-to-it attitude. He also had a deep love and loyalty for his family. He was especially proud of and watchful over Yves, his younger brother. I remember the pride in Eric's voice when he introduced his younger brother to me, and another time when Yves was sick in the hospital and Eric was wild with worry over him. My best story about Eric, though, is one I have told many times, and one that I am sure I will relate many more times as an example of good attitude. Because Eric was from Cameroon, and English was not his first language, he struggled with English his plebe year. At the end of that year, he was required to complete STAP (summer school) because he had failed one of his classes. I saw him at the library one day during STAP and said something like, "Too bad you had to do STAP," and he earnestly responded, "No, Ma'am! I am able to do STAP! That means I'M STILL HERE at West Point!" Eric viewed STAP as an opportunity, not as a punishment. His positive attitude certainly contributed to his successes in life. And so I hold him up as an example to other cadets who may be discouraged by the setbacks they face, and I ask them to look at those hurdles as opportunities, as Eric did. Eric, I am proud to have known you. You enriched my life. Be thou at peace, and God bless your family and friends.

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