April marked the start of a new theme for President Jan Levy’s Healthy Communities model with the topic of the month being Global Citizenship. Rotarians gathered on Wednesday, April 1, at the WAC to hear from the Commanding General of Joint Base Lewis-McChord Lieutenant General Matthew McFarlane. McFarlane spoke on the importance of global citizenship within the military, the common aspirations between Rotary and the military, and the importance of leadership as a global citizen.
LTG McFarlane is no stranger to the Pacific Northwest, having spent a summer in the area during his time in ROTC at James Madison University and subsequently returning for three more tours thereafter. “I am, as Jimmy said, in my fourth tour here, so I’m Pacific Northwest familiar,” LTG McFarlane said in opening remarks.
In addition to being tied to the PNW in general, LTG McFarlane shared how the ideals of the US Army and Rotary are both at their core about commitments to shared values, service, resilience, innovation, empathy, and the belief in common good. Further reiterating this point, LTG McFarlane added, “Global Citizenship is not a military idea or a civilian idea, it’s a human idea.” LTG McFarlane also expressed how the Army and communities like Seattle are natural partners in shaping a safer and more connected world.
In his role as Commanding General of JBLM, LTG McFarlane carries the responsibility for soldiers in a region that comprises most of the Asia and Pacific theater. With soldiers in Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Colorado, and in Treaty Partner nations he works with those in many different countries, with different languages, and different cultures; but who all share the same common desire for peace. “My mission at Joint Base Lewis-McChord is to deter war,” LTG McFarlane said, “and I can tell you right now, no one wants peace more than a soldier.”
With the current geopolitical environment, strong, long-lasting, and meaningful partnerships with nations around the world continues to be a priority for the US Military. With the current war in Ukraine now into its fifth year, the US-Iran conflict in the Middle East, and the current militarization of the South China sea, global citizenship is extremely important. “We’re living in a time of historic consequence right now,” LTG McFarlane said. LTG McFarlane also reiterated that moments like this call for thinking and acting globally with emphasis on morals and ethics.
Not only does JBLM have a tremendous impact on the world and the nation, but it also has a meaningful impact on the region as well. As the number employer one the South Sound, JBLM also has an annual total economic output of $12.1 billion, over $995 million in local contracts, and has strategic partnerships with local organizations such as Amazon, Google, and UW’s Departments of Aeronautics and Applied Physics Lab.
“The collaboration across all sectors, cultures, and nations is real, and its not just within the US military,” LTG McFarlane said.
Further adding to JBLM’s ties to the local community, LTG McFarlane shared how he was fortunate to be able to walk in the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory parade. “I was privileged to walk in the parade, your Super Bowl victory parade, the best parade I’ve ever walked in my military career,” LTG McFarlane said, “We need to win the Super Bowl every year.”
In closing remarks, LTG McFarlane reiterated the importance of Global Citizenship and the common values it holds with the idea of Servant Leadership. Through recognizing our independence, interdependence, and acting with purpose beyond our immediate circles, we are able to cultivate and gain empathy and build bridges across differences. “The world needs leaders who serve. The Army is committed to that mission, and we invite you to partner with us where you can,” LTG McFarlane said closing.
The next Rotary event will be a Young Rotary Leaders Happy Hour on April 16 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at Frolik Bar in the Motif Hotel. The next in-person meeting will be April 22 at the Rainier Club and will feature the CEO of the Gates Foundation Mark Suzman. April 25 will be the Rotary Boys and Girls Club cleanup day and April 26 will be a 5K with the Bellevue Rotary in support of autism.
