Lieutenant General (retired) Mark Hertling '71 has traveled the world several times over since leaving CBC. He served 38 years in the United States Army, ending his military career as Commander of U.S. Army Europe when he retired in 2013, leading more than 40,000 soldiers in command during his service. But it was advice he received while a CBC student that would shape the foundation of that career.
"I was able to attend CBC on a work-study scholarship. My family was from Pine Lawn, and we were, as my dad would say, 'low income on a good day,' and I knew I'd need a scholarship to college. Jim Sinner (‘59) encouraged me to apply to West Point," Hertling said. "When I left for West Point, it was the first time I'd been on an airplane. I assumed I would graduate and serve my required five years, but I stayed for 38. I've been to 123 different countries. I've experienced so many new places and cultures, and had my worldview shaped by those experiences. I've had a blessed life," he said.
Despite his busy schedule, Hertling has made time to visit with CBC juniors as part of their Leadership course for the last decade. Depending on his schedule, he'll travel to St. Louis or talk to students via Zoom, as he did in October.
On the importance of the Leadership course and experiences at CBC, Hertling told students, "I teach MBA courses and have students with 10-15 years of work experience who don't have the foundation you are getting in this class. The things you are studying now, the elements of leadership and how you are assessing yourself in a complex world, I guarantee you will be amazed at how much you know and how well prepared you are to lead teams based on this class and CBC."
In his talks with students, Hertling shared lessons and advice he would give. An author of two books, Hertling emphasized the importance of communicating and writing well.
"I wish I had kept a journal my entire life. You should all be doing that. You'll learn how to polish your personal diamond and become a better person every day. When you're an old dude like me, you can look back on those lessons. You have to learn to communicate well and write with precision. Your technique in communicating ensures you are truly heard, and your message acted on in the right way."
Hertling is a lifelong learner. After graduating from West Point, he later received a master's degree in Kinesiology from Indiana University, a master's degree in Military Arts and Science from the School of Advanced Military Studies, and a master's in National Security Strategy from the National War College. In 2019, General Hertling added Doctor to his resume, earning a Doctor of Business Administration from Rollins College. This continued pursuit of learning was also among the lessons shared with CBC students: "A real leader learns and grows every day. You have to extend your field of view and take every opportunity to learn something new."
A few 8th grade visitors also had the chance to hear Hertling speak during his virtual visit along with their CBC ambassadors. On his road to CBC and reflections, he said, “My brother (Michael ‘63) had gone to CBC, and I always thought it was a cool school. I rode the bus every day from Pine Lawn to the Clayton Road campus. Your character development starts in your family, but is accelerated by what you learn at CBC. Looking back, what we learned really reinforced a desire to do something different and contribute to society.”