Trinity Classical Academy Speaker Series Colonel Patrick J. Gough USMC (Ret.)

 The evening opened with thoughtful words by Trinity co-founder and Head of School, Liz Caddow.  She spoke of the strong values Trinity Classical Academy instills in their students and how they pair wonderfully with the values of the Core. It was a small introduction for some new to Trinity Classical Academy and a small reflection for those that attend the Christian school.
Colonel Patrick J. Gough or Patty, as he referred to himself, was honest, introspective and very kind as he explained small glimpses of what he encountered during his career with the United States Marine Corps.  He offered small side notes of humor as he shared examples of ingenuity on the battle field and spoke on their recent birthday celebrating 241 years of courage, tradition, mutual respect and accountability. Patty’s frank and honest account of our military was so relevant and almost calming in a sense.  His command of the room was present from the moment he walked on the stage to the minute he stepped down.  And after 60 thought-provoking minutes, he took the time to humor the questions of us simple “civilians” and try to explain these extreme situations in understandable terms.  One question opened the door to Hol-lywood and the military, while he made it very clear that, “the Marine Corps is nothing like Hollywood—we lead into battle and we inspire others to follow… I asked my men to follow me,” Patty said. “We don’t yell them into battle.”
It was clear at that moment, more than at any other point in his discussion, that this truth was one truth Patty held tight and believed to be 100 percent.  The brotherhood, the unity and the mutual respect the Core instills in its members is a quality that holds true until the end.  He finished his presentation with a simple, Semper Fi Marines.
Trinity Classical Academy is located at 28310 Kelly Johnson Drive in Valencia.  For more information, please call 661-296-2601.