Colonel Spencer, Living Legend
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March 25, 2010 • Ronnetta Zack-Williams
Filed under News
Here’s an interview with one of Oxon Hill’s JROTC Instructors; Colonel Curtis Spencer. He is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of North Carolina A&T University and the First African-American to serve as the US Defense and Air Attache to Nigeria.
RW: Can you start off by telling us a little about your background?
CS: Well, I am from Reidsville, North Carolina and attended North Carolina A&T University, Majoring in French and History. I also attended North Carolina A&T for graduate school majoring in secondary education.
RW: How long were you been in the United States Air Force and what was your job?
CS: I was in the US Air force for 25 years and worked as an Intelligence Officer.
RW: How did you get into teaching?
CS: With a background in education, it was a perfect transition.
RW: What would you say are the highlights of your career?
CS: Teaching college level ROTC at Duke University, teaching in the attaché program at the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) and becoming the first African American to serve as the US Defense and Air Attaché to Nigeria.
RW: What was that experience like?
CS: It was awesome; I coordinated the visit of Colin Powell. As the defense attaché in a country, which was then ruled by the military, I was the key US player in the country.
RW: How long did you stay in Nigeria?
CS: For 2 years, from 1991-1993.
RW: How were the people in Nigeria?
CS: The people who I interacted with were friendly and very professional. It was a country of very few rich and many, many poor.
RW: Wow! We have a part of History Working here at Oxon Hill?
CS: I am very pleased with my 16 years here at Oxon Hill, especially in mentoring and motivating students. I have assisted students in getting millions of dollars in scholarships and I have enjoyed the association with the staff and students. My philosophy is one of inclusion, that every student has worth and potential. With patience and diligence we can help every student.
RW: That was greatly said, do you have any final thoughts?
CS: I am proud of the fact that every year I have been here, the JROTC unit has grown and become more distinguished. I emphasize with all the students that my key to success has been one of personality, discipline, fortune( luck) and being an effective communicator.
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