In the 37 years since Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster graduated from the Valley Forge Military Academy, his knowledge and skills have been put to the test in positions that have escalated to the top national security adviser for the president of the United States.

McMaster recently distilled some of the key lessons learned into advice for this year’s 60 VFMA graduates and their families, according to a Daily Times report by Linda Stein.

“Leadership means serving others,” he said. “Building teams, leading by example. You build friendships you rely on.”

McMaster also noted that leading and serving is rewarding, as well as fun.

VFMA has “prepared you well for the challenges you face and the opportunities that will be presented you. I’m really excited for you.”

In his own life, VFMA equipped McMaster to become a “proven warrior, a disruptive thinker, a selfless servant (and) a great American,” said President John Church Jr. “(He) crushed the five cornerstones: academic excellence, personal motivation, character development, physical development, and leadership.”

Read more about McMaster’s VFMA commencement address in the Daily Times here.