Visionaries in Service: Carlton Shelley II

This marks the fourth installment of our Salute to Service blog series spotlighting Visionaries whose personal experiences inspired them to join the United States military. It features a Veterans-themed Q&A with Carlton Shelley II, now VP, Design Consultant at Bank of America. Carlton was, on September 11, a student at the Emily E. Booker School where President George W. Bush learned of the attacks. He readily shares his story and perspectives with young people, and plays a key role in our Anniversary in the Schools webinar. Here, he answers our Veterans-themed Q&A. 

What about the leaders under whom you served has stayed with you the most?
[The concept of] mission first, soldiers always. No mission can be complete without your soldiers, so taking care of them is consistently the most critical task. This holds true in corporate America as well.

Men and women joining the military today have no living memory of 9/11. Why is it important that they visit the Memorial & Museum to understand both the attacks and the ongoing consequences? 
All lessons come from the past. So much of the world that you live in and the country you're sworn to protect, was shaped by the actions of that day. It’s crucial as a leader that you take time to connect with what happened on 9/11, and the stories that surround it. 
 
Anything else you’d like to add? 
The connection between NYC and service runs deep. The Memorial is a place where it is clearly on display at all levels. 

By 9/11 Memorial Staff

Note: As part of Salute to Service, U.S. military veterans will receive free Museum admission from Thursday, November 11 through Sunday, November 14, with up to three guests at a 50 percent discount. Reserve your tickets.