Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Mark Hertling has agreed to speak at an event held by the University Women of Flagler this month, using his career experience to teach tried-and-true leadership values. Hertling will be speaking on April 15th at 9:30am, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Palm Coast.
Hertling’s extraordinary career began the same way as the University Women to whom he’ll be speaking – by earning his degree. He holds a Master of Science in Kinesiology from Indiana University, a Master of Military Arts and Sciences from Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and a Master of National Security and Strategic Studies from the National War College in Washington D.C. Furthermore, in 2019 Hertling received a Doctorate in Business Administration from the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College.
In the armed services, Hertling’s journey began as a second lieutenant serving in Europe in the 3rd Infantry Division. This would be his post from 1975 to 1977, before later serving again in Europe in 1988, now a major. He was wounded in battle in the Gulf War, serving with the 1st Cavalry Regiment in Operation Desert Storm.
In the 21st century, Hertling served in Germany and Iraq during the Bush administration. He would go on to become Commander of the 1st Armored Division from 2007 to 2009 in both countries. It was in this era of his career that he earned the rank of commanding general, then later major general and brigadier general. He now proudly holds the status of retired three-star Army general.
Hertling finally retired from the armed forces in 2013, 38 years after going in. In 2014 he joined CNN as a national security and military analyst, offering his hard-earned expertise to contextualize complex foreign affairs for everyday Americans. The year of his military retirement, Hertling was appointed to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition by President Barack Obama, a post he’d hold until 2017.
Those attending Hertling’s speaking slot on the 15th can expect him to share his philosophies regarding leadership, direction, and courage. He’ll also offer his perspective as a recently integrated Flagler County local, having moved to Flagler Beach not long ago.
Those who wish to attend can do so by visiting www.uwflagler.org. Doors open at 9:15 AM and the meeting begins at 9:30 AM. Breakfast will be provided to attendees. Registration is $17 by check or $18 by credit card. Hertling will begin his speech at approximately 10:00 AM. — Chris Gollon
