ATTLEBORO, MA – It’s not everyday that a double-rotor, Chinook helicopter touches down at Bishop Feehan High School. But that was the vehicle of choice for Feehan graduate, Lt. General Jon Braga, this morning when he came to his alma mater to share his perspective on living a life of purpose with the school’s 1090 students, staff and invited guests.
Met by the school’s hockey captains (Braga was a captain himself in 1987), student council and his old high school classmate (current Feehan president Tim Sullivan), Braga went from the landing zone (the school’s softball field) to a packed auditorium. His inspiring address touched on everything from finding one’s passion to the sacrifices of the men and women under his command to the many opportunities (especially in technology spaces) in today’s Army.
“The words from Feehan today are proud and thankful,” said Sullivan. “Proud of General Braga, his accomplishments and his commitment to others. And thankful that he was able to come back and share with our Feehan community. It was a special day on campus today, one our students will never forget.”
Braga advised the students to “find their why” and to pursue that why with passion. For him, that why is “making a difference in people’s lives.” And he has “loved every step of the journey.”
“It’s pretty cool, it’s pretty surreal, to be honest with you, to be back here,” said Braga of the trip back to the Attleboro co-ed Catholic high school. “I can’t say I imagined three decades ago I would land at my high school in a helicopter.”
Two particularly poignant moments marked highlights of the day:
- General Braga was able to meet and thank Mr. Dan Flynn (Feehan Class of ‘69), who’s brother, Gary Flynn ‘65, remains the only Bishop Feehan graduate ever lost in battle.
- General Braga closed his address to Feehan students by asking them to remain engaged, informed and part of the solutions in our country and world. He quoted Medal of Honor recipient and special forces soldier Matthew Williams: “be citizens worth serving for”.
Braga’s day extended far past his landing and remarks. He was able to tour Feehan’s new Innovation & Arts Center and visit with the school’s Robotics and Engineering Clubs and share just how central innovation has become to the Army. General Braga also had a private visit with 25 Feehan students with an interest in military careers. And he had a chance to meet with old teachers, classmates and friends during a lunch reception.
General Braga also received a Distinguished Bishop Feehan Alumni Award during his visit.
General Braga’s official Army bio is here: https://www.soc.mil/Bios/ltg-braga-2021-bio.pdf
Additional photos and videos can be found here.