White House Fellowship Includes Five Servicemembers

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

May 6, 2009 - President Barack Obama's administration yesterday announced its White House fellowship finalists, an elite group that includes representatives of the U.S. military. The fellowship, which is the nation's most prestigious program for leadership and public service, offers 30 exceptional men and women experience working at the highest levels of the federal government, according to a White House news release.

Finalists were selected, in part, because of their exceptional record of incorporating service into their professional pursuits, the release states.

Since 1964, when President Lyndon B. Johnson founded the program, White House Fellows have represented a diverse cross-section of professions, including business, medicine, law, the nonprofit sector, media, state government, finance and education. Many have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields, including retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark, former commander of Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe.

The 2009-2010 White House Fellows national finalists with military ties and their hometowns are:

-- Victor Glover, test pilot and project officer, VX-31, Naval Air Weapons Station, Pomona, Calif.;

-- John Green, SEAL Troop Commander, SEAL Team 7; Los Angeles;

-- Robert Lyman, commander of the Air Force's 96th Communications Squadron, Walkersville, Md.

-- Kendric Robbins, executive officer for the Army's Task Force 2-6th Infantry, Albion, Maine.

-- Anthony Russell, press secretary to the commandant of the Coast Guard, Stafford, Va.