Posted by BG RM Ong (Ret) on January 22, 2016:

I first met Gene Griffith in 1959. I was a Plebe (New Cadet) in Beast Barracks and he was my 2nd Detail Platoon Leader. His task was to help me make the transition from dull, gross civilian to polished, disciplined Cadet, worthy of joining the Corps of Cadets in one month's time. Beast Barracks was a 2-month period and Gene came in during the 2nd month. Gene did his job well; he was a tough, demanding, loud perfectionist who had extremely high standards, and he made sure that the Plebes in his platoon met those standards. He pushed us into becoming physically tough, by supervising our calisthenics and making us run "on the double" everywhere, even climbing up stairs. He supervised our mental training as well, by making sure we understood and memorized our "Plebe Knowledge" -- bits of information about West Point and Army History. Gene was a lean, mean military machine and he molded us after his own image. Finally, we Plebes were through with Beast Barracks and we joined the regular Companies. I was surprised and wary to learn that Gene and I were in Company E-2 together. But he was no longer my Platoon Leader. His new position was Company Training Sergeant. I was no longer directly under him. He was also the Company Honor Representative, and in this role, he spent many hours teaching us about the Honor Code and the Honor System. From him, we learned the full meaning of the West Point motto, "A Cadet does not lie, cheat or steal." From him, I learned to internalize this motto and make it part of my lifestyle during the rest of my military career. Mr. Griffith, sir, you played a key role in preparing me for my 33 years in the Philippine Army. Sir, here is my final salute! Brigadier General Ramon M. Ong (Retired) Armed Forces of the Philippines USMA 1963

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