TAKING CHARGE – Maj. Gen. John Hussey

By Taylor Sterling

Last week Orange County Executive and Commander in the Navy Reserves, Steve Neuhaus, hosted the first installment of his Leadership Series at the County’s Emergency Services Center in Goshen. Maj. Gen. John F. Hussey (Ret.), who had a decorated 38-year military career, served as the keynote speaker at the forum which was open to the public. It was the first installment of Neuhaus’ Leadership Speaker Series. Maj. Gen. Hussey shared his impressive story and connected with a sold-out audience while speaking about his many years of service to our country and his many experiences, both on the battlefield and in life. 

The audience was mesmerized by Maj. Gen. Hussey retelling some of his “war stories” however most important were the lessons he taught and shared with the audience. He came from “da Bronx” and his matter-of-fact conversation played well with those in attendance, actually making the lengthy lecture appear as if 5 minutes had passed. He also left all of us with what I call, Hussey-ISMs, such as “decisiveness-“when he quoted Gen. Goerge Patton who stated…”A good plan, violently executed now, is much better than a perfect plan next week.” 

Maj. Gen. Hussey was the Commanding General of the 200th Military Police Command. He first enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in June 1984. His illustrious career includes commanding a Battalion in Iraq and Bosnia as well as a Task Force Commander responsible for detention operations at the Parwan Detention Facility in Afghanistan. It would take pages to retell his many commands and deployments. His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal with 2 OLC, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 7 OLC, Army Commendation Medal with 3 OLC, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Action Badge, Parachute Badge, Air Assault Badge, the German Armed Forces Efficiency Badge (Silver), and the Royal Netherlands and German Army Parachute Badges. Maj. Gen. Hussey retired after 34 years of service, culminating as a Chief Clerk in the Unified Court System of New York State. He and his wife Janice are the proud parents of three adult children, two of whom are currently serving in the US Military.