Character Development: MG Steven J. Hashem (Service to Others)

Major General Steven J. Hashem, USA (Ret.) was the latest keynote speaker for the Character Development Chapel Speaker Series, on Friday, January 16 in the Chapel of St. Cornelius the Centurion. 

His speech focused on the topic of Service to Others.

“It’s an incredible feeling to do that and I am positive many of you, even at your young age have already done that,” Hashem said in his speech. “I truly believe that the secret to life is helping others. It’s very rewarding and oftentimes it comes back to you at times and in ways you least expect.”

Hashem spent more than four decades serving in the United States Army, primarily in Special Operations assignments, which included multiple deployments to overseas combat zones, with command tours from Second Lieutenant through Major General.

He currently serves as the Founder and CEO of Peak74 International, an organization that specializes in executive coaching, strategic planning, and leadership development. He also serves his fellow service men and women, veterans, wounded warriors, and military families as the Co-Founder of The Patriot Fund, a non-profit that has raised over $10M since its inception in 2015.

“I have spent the vast majority of my life in service to others,” Hashem said in his speech. “There’s a phrase in the Army, ‘Soldier for life.’ Just because you’re out of uniform doesn’t mean that you are done serving. … I’ve always been a strong believer in that philosophy and my life has been so much more fulfilling and satisfying because of that.”

Hashem shared a story about a 74-year-old nurse named Martha, highlighting the human importance of serving and connecting with people in finding purpose in life. Hashem’s story talked about the “invisible work” many people put in everyday that trumps titles, recognition, and material possessions.

“I know many of you don’t know yet what you’re going to do when you leave this institution or where your life will lead you, but what I do know is that you will have endless opportunities to serve others and I encourage you to do just that,” Hashem said.

Hashem said the two things he judges people on are competency and character. He talked to the Cadets about the leaders he had in his life and their importance in shaping his perspective on what a leader is. In particular, he said how those individuals treated people stood out.

He implored the Cadets to be servant leaders in their lives in a similar way.

“The older I get the clearer one’s truth becomes: Never forget who you are serving,” Hashem said. “As leaders, whether in uniform or out, we don’t work for people. We serve them. There’s a big difference. One demands authority. The other demands humility. I learned this early in my career. When you remember you are serving soldiers, veterans, families, and the people counting on you, you make different decisions. Decisions grounded in integrity, compassion and courage.”

Click here to watch his full speech.

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Character Development Chapel Speaker Series

Valley Forge Military Academy & College’s mission is to develop individuals to be fully prepared for the responsibilities and challenges of being citizen leaders. We strive to develop the whole person within an integrated academic and military environment. Valley Forge Military Academy & College produces highly focused graduates who are strong in mind, body and soul.

Since our founding in 1928 by Lt. Gen. Milton Baker, our philosophy is built upon Five Cornerstones: Academic Excellence, Character Development, Personal Motivation, Physical Development, and Leadership. We expound on one of these foundational Cornerstones through the monthly Character Development Chapel Speaker Series. Each month, the VFMAC community focuses on a specific character trait which is shared with our Corps of Cadets through communications, teachings, and activities. Through the speaker series, Cadets have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, build campus culture and institutional strength, and challenge their own insights by asking thought-provoking questions.