School District honors retiring military science leader

From Clear Creek Independent School District

February 1, 2007

LEAGUE CITY –For more than 20 years, Major General John H. Bailey, II, led and enhanced the Clear Creek ISD military science program. To thank him for his years of service, the students of the Clear Creek ISD military science program invite the community to attend a celebration in his honor from 5 to 7 p.m., Feb. 1, at League City Intermediate School located at 2588 Webster St. in League City.

“General Bailey has been the heart and soul of the district’s military science program,” said Major Earnest P. Brown, senior army instructor for Clear Lake High School. “He has been a mentor and role model for thousands of students. This program is our opportunity to say thank you for all he has done for the students and community of Clear Creek ISD.”

Bailey came to Clear Creek ISD in 1984. His love of service and dedication to the children of the district has been the cornerstone of the success of the district’s military science program. As the program director, he founded the highly successful Leadership Development Corps for cadets in grades six - eight. This program, which teaches leadership development, teamwork and a positive can-do attitude, has expanded to schools in Houston ISD, Dallas and Oklahoma.

The majority of Bailey’s life has been dedicated to flying and to military service. At eight years old, Bailey wrote a poem about flying that he kept inside his helmet during his two tours of duty in Vietnam. The poem, "Challenge," is recorded in the United States Library of Congress.

In 1991, General Bailey became the first African-American to attain the rank of brigadier general in the Texas State Guard, an honor bestowed upon him by former Governor Ann Richards. One year later, he established the State Championship for Military Skills to give JROTC units across Texas an opportunity to achieve state recognition, just as sports teams and musical groups do. Texas A&M University annually hosts this event.

In 1994, former Governor George W. Bush promoted General Bailey to major general and appointed him commanding general of the Texas State Guard. He served in that capacity until his retirement from the guard in 1997.

For more information about Bailey’s retirement program, please call Maj. Brown at (281) 284-2490, or send him an email at ebrown@ccisd.net.

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