Ross Perot

He opened his doors (and the gates to his ranch) to returning Vietnam POWs, back when vets were treated very poorly and few “thanked them for their service.” He was one of those who donated a lot of money and influence, but didn’t insist on having his name on it.
 
I did some work for Perot many years ago. He recognized how stupid large bureaucratic organizations are and advised taking advantage of that fact, just like he did - made his fortune on a business that his employer (IBM) thought had no potential.
 
He visited USNA during my plebe year and made a bet with the brigade on the Navy/Air Force game.
Following the not so good result, members of the brigade who participated in the wager (including Midn 4/C OldRetSWO)
had to get an "H Ross Perot Haircut" which for most of us was a shaved head.
 
AROTC-dad said:
For a thrilling story about Perot and EDS, pick up a copy of "On Wings of Eagles" by Ken Follett (non-fiction)

Perot would spare no expense to get his people out of harm's way.
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I read it. Great story. Colonel Simons died way to young. I was TAD to Ft. Bragg before retiring and spent a little time at his statue. My uncle, an SF master sergeant served with him.
 
AROTC-dad said:
For a thrilling story about Perot and EDS, pick up a copy of "On Wings of Eagles" by Ken Follett (non-fiction)

Perot would spare no expense to get his people out of harm's way.
Click to expand...

Great book. I had been a huge Ken Follett fan since Eye of the Needle, and I would read every book he wrote as soon as they came out. (By the way, "Pillars of the Earth" was great too.) When Follett published "On Wings of Eagles," Ross Perot was largely unknown to the general public, including me. I was very surprised when later Ross Perot came to prominence. I was like "Hey, I know that guy, he certainly knows how to get things done."

I think Mr. Perot did so much for servicemen because he must have felt bad that he left the Navy fairly soon and did not serve in Vietnam. He was certainly a piece of work.
 
When he was running for POTUS, I thought he was goofy and smart, with a voice that could peel paint. I had no idea what a neat guy he was, until after he ran for office.
Eagle Scout. Honorary Marine and Green Beret. He helped draft the USNA Honor Code. Rest in peace, sir.
 
THParent said:
When he was running for POTUS, I thought he was goofy and smart, with a voice that could peel paint. I had no idea what a neat guy he was, until after he ran for office.
Eagle Scout. Honorary Marine and Green Beret. He helped draft the USNA Honor Code. Rest in peace, sir.
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Some people just don't come across well over mas media like TV. Perot is one because up close and personal, he came across as
a very warm and intelligent person without any of the funny voice or other things we picked up on TV. Bob Dole is another example -
came across as dour and angry on our screens but was very well regarded for his wit and warmth.
 
OldRetSWO said:
Some people just don't come across well over mas media like TV. Perot is one because up close and personal, he came across as
a very warm and intelligent person without any of the funny voice or other things we picked up on TV. Bob Dole is another example -
came across as dour and angry on our screens but was very well regarded for his wit and warmth.
Click to expand...

Add Vice Admiral Stockdale to that list
 
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Ross Perot came to USNA for a Forrestal Lecture shortly after he got all his EDS folks out of Iran.

F0r those that aren't familiar, USNA has (or at least had) Forrestal lectures a few times every year ... its a pretty formal event, where some big shot comes and addresses the Brigade as whole, followed by a Q&A period. They are held in the early evening, after Dinner , and with a full stomach and a long day, the Midshipmen frequently fall asleep, much to the chagrine of the Administration. (Of course, its rude to fall asleep when the CNO or other FOGO is giving a speech!).

Long story short, Ross Perot kept the Brigade on the edge of their seats, I don't t think anyone fell asleep, and he is probably the only one who has ever accomplished that feat ! (Of course, I couldn't help but think after hearing the story whether the brazen escape embarrassed the Iranian regime enough that it triggered the embassy takeover shortly thereafter).
 
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