News release prepared by student writer Cheyenne Frady

Highly decorated retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Lance Maffett, of Rome, will speak on “Christian Leadership in a Secular Military” at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11, in the lobby of Shorter University’s Robert H. Ledbetter College of Business. The event is open to the public at no charge.

Maffett’s lecture is being hosted by Rick Johnson, who teaches Shorter’s course on Character Education.

“Col. Maffett is a true American hero, and we are so fortunate to have him come to speak at Shorter,” Johnson said. “He and I are in the same Sunday School class, and I know he is the real deal as a Christian and a man of character and honor. I know my students will benefit from his insights into Christian leadership, and we are excited to offer the community the chance to enjoy this experience as well. He has a great topic that crosses over into all walks of life.”

As a Marine, Col. Maffett was a highly decorated Blackhawk helicopter pilot. During Operation Desert Storm, he was deployed to the Republic of the Philippines, where he participated in counter-insurgency operations on the island of Luzon. After reassignment to the Naval Air Station in Atlanta, he participated in multiple counter-narcotic operations throughout the West Indies, Caribbean, and along the U.S. border with Mexico.

Following the 9/11 attacks on the U.S. homeland, Maffett deployed to Afghanistan and served as commanding officer of the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 773. During his command tour, he flew over 150 combat missions against Taliban and Al Qaeda forces along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

Upon returning to the United States, Maffett led the squadron to New Orleans, La., in support of Operation Katrina Rescue and Relief.  His final tours of duty included special staff officer to the Commanding General, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, and fleet marine officer to the Commander, 3rd Fleet, United States Navy.

A graduate of the University of Georgia, Maffett holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and a Master of Arts in National Security Studies. He is a graduate of the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics School, the Air Command and Staff College, and the Air War College.

His numerous decorations include two Legion of Merit awards, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medal with Combat “V” awards, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He retired from the United States Marine Corps in 2013. He resides in Rome and is currently the chief executive officer of SOE Solutions.

Shorter’s Character Education course examines individual core values, self-discipline, identity and emotional security, with particular attention on the role played by these elements of character on the students’ personal and spiritual relationships.

Founded in 1873, Shorter University is a Christ-centered, four-year liberal arts university committed to excellence in education. The Princeton Review annually includes Shorter on its list of best Southeastern Colleges. Shorter is a member of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). The university offers traditional bachelor’s degrees in 40 areas of study, online courses and degree programs, undergraduate programs for working adults, and four master’s programs. Learn more about Shorter at www.shorter.edu.

###