Staff Report
Alabama Political Reporter
CULLMAN—State Senator Paul Bussman has called upon Benghazi team member Mark “Oz” Geist to light a spark in males across his district as the lead speaker in his upcoming annual men’s conference. On Saturday, May 7, 2016, from 8:30 am – 12 noon, the Ground Zero Men’s Conference: the Epicenter for Intense Change will empower males, ages 10 and up, to be the men that God has created them to be.
Speakers highlighting the event include former member of the Annex Security Team that fought in Benghazi Mark Geist, Lead Pastor from Daystar Church Jerry Lawson and chaplain of Auburn football and director of Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Auburn Chette Williams.
Organized as a free event by local state Senator Paul Bussman (R-04), Bussman hopes to help attendees see and understand the importance of their leadership role and involvement in the home, the family and the community.
“Over the last couple of years I’ve seen high statistics that say men are disappearing: not entering the work force, not applying for college or vocational schools,” said Bussman. “As a whole, they are not staying with their families and raising their children. Where are they and what are they doing?”
Statistics continue to get worse. “We as a community have to do something to reverse this trend. Encourage men to become the leaders that they are supposed to be by re-engaging them in the community and re-engaging them in the work force. Empower them to understand how important their role is in society. Arm them with the tools needed to become successful in life.”
The event will provide tools to guide them as they walk through the struggles of daily life and give them a support group to move forward as they strengthen our community. “As husbands, fathers and men, we all make mistakes, but we cannot let past mistakes keep us from moving forward and being a positive influence for the young men around us.”
Speakers
Mark “Oz” Geist: Based on his insider account of the attacks in Benghazi, Mark shares powerful life and leadership lessons utilizing the facts portrayed in his co-authored, NYT’s best-selling book and movie, “13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi.” Engaged in a firefight and out-manned, Mark and his team bravely battled all night for the safety of those they had been tasked to protect. The 13 hours of assault dramatically impacted the lives of those serving in Benghazi and resulted in the loss of an American diplomat, Ambassador Stevens.
Through teamwork and execution, Mark and others rebuffed multiple attacks and sustained many lives during that historic day. Badly wounded and facing a final assault, Mark demanded of himself “get up or die”. This choice required selfless service to the team and, ultimately, assisted in saving many lives.
Jerry Lawson: Jerry is the founder and Lead Pastor of Daystar Church in Cullman, AL where he resides with his wife, Leslie, two girls and a son. They found their destiny when they launched Daystar Church, along with about 100 other people. Since that small beginning, the church has grown into a large, multi-site church serving communities across North Alabama. Nothing gives Jerry more joy than seeing what Jesus can do for people who have lost all hope.
Chette Williams: Rev. Chette Williams serves as the Auburn University football team chaplain and is the Auburn campus director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes as well as State Director for Urban Ministries for FCA. A three-year letterman on the Auburn football team from 1982-84, Williams earned his Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1993.
All speakers are published authors.
Location of the event is at Wallace State Community College, School of Nursing Building, 801 Main Street NW, Hanceville, AL 35077. There is free parking available in the parking lot outside the building. For additional information on the conference or the speakers, please contact Holly Bussman, (256) 338-9083.
