Retired U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Stephen Cheney Leads Marine Military Academy
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Retired U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Stephen Cheney has served his country in many capacities during an impressive 30-year military career. Today, the decorated officer is serving the community as president of the Marine Military Academy, which trains more than 300 young men annually.
“I had been to Harlingen as an active-duty Marine, and when they called and asked if I was interested in this position, I said I was,” Cheney says.
Prior to his 2001 retirement from active duty, Cheney held a number of high-profile military positions, including deputy executive secretary of the United States Department of Defense and commanding general of the Marine Corps Recruit Depots in San Diego and Parris Island, S.C. During his time in recruit training, Cheney commanded more than 80,000 young men and women – nearly half of the nation’s Marines.
“After eight years in recruit training, I looked forward to getting back to work with that age bracket – kids I can have a direct impact on,” Cheney says. “I wanted to be around kids and Marines, and the school is unique in that context. It’s the only private school run completely by Marines.”
In 2006, Cheney and his wife, retired U.S. Marines Col. Roxanne Cheney, made the move to Harlingen.
“It’s a great community with a family atmosphere,” Stephen Cheney says. “Harlingen has that small town feel and Southern Texas hospitality, which is wonderful. There’s also a heavy Hispanic flavor that we’re in love with. The town welcomed us with open arms.”
Cheney’s plans for the academy include a five-year, $30 million campaign that will help fund scholarships and boost recruitment efforts in the U.S. and Mexico.
“I’d like to feel the school’s reputation not just nationally but internationally,” Cheney says.
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Story by Melanie Hill
Photo by Jeff Adkins
