Florida Speaker Encourages Military Brass

"If you feel you are important as an individual, you are more likely to succeed in our armed forces."

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
February 13, 2002

James Amps III never lets an opportunity pass to motivate people of all ages and backgrounds. In February, he had the unique opportunity to address a group of individuals few speakers ever get to talk to - top military minds.

Amps gave the keynote address at the National Defense University at Ft. McNair. The Broward County, Florida resident pressed the officers for more "unilateral joint cooperation" among the branches. "Today, more than ever before in this country's history, military branches must have the capacity to communicate with each other on land, sea, and air if we are to continue to be the world's security guard," said Amps.

"There are factions within each branch of the service that want to believe they are the best," he added. "You must encourage your particular branches that the entire military is run under one leadership authority, and it is that authority that makes this nation great."

Amps, a former Navy communications officer who speaks at conferences and conventions around the world, wanted the military personnel to understand "the undertaking they have by protecting the country."

"Most people join the military for the adventure," noted the 39-year-old Amps. "However, if an individual understands the role our military plays in the free world and the individual sacrifices they make to form our military, they begin to truly understand how important they are to this country. If you feel you are important as an individual, you are more likely to succeed in our armed forces."

Amps is the National Chairman for the Young Speakers Association, Inc., a non-profit organization that teaches youth ages 8-18 to effectively communicate through workshops and speaking engagements across the country. He is President/CEO of amps Communicators, LLC. He addresses such issues as race relations, violence, drugs, personal accountability, leadership and other issues.

Amps is one of the most sought after speakers on the high school and college circuits. He was awarded the Celebrity Enterprise Speaker of the Year Award in 1998. He is the author of the book Speaking To Excel. He just finished speaking engagements for the National Association of African American Studies, the National Association of Hispanic and Latino Studies, and the National council of Negro Women in Houston, Texas