CENTRAL SQUARE -- He's been around the world but for navy commander Chris Flaherty there is no place like home.
"I'm here because of the teachers and role models I had sitting in those same desks in Cleveland and at Central Square," he says.
Students from Cleveland Elementary and Central Square High School gave a hero's welcome to Commander Flaherty and his crew as the Central New York native, who is on his way to serve in the pentagon, made a special stop over at Griffis Airport in Rome. Cleveland was just named a New York State School of Character and Principal Mike Eife says Flaherty, who has made several visits to the school and kept in touch with students during his deployments, is a role model to the kids.
"He's an alum, so its an awesome opportunity to have someone come back from your school. Not just your elementary school but your high school and give that success story," he says.
Commander Flaherty started a leadership program at Cleveland called first to dream. Ten years later the program is going strong and is a big part of the schools success.
"The big message I try and tell them is go out and experience the world. Be a part of the world and know that it's open to you. There are no limitations to opportunity," he says.
Commander Flaherty's P-3 Orion is mainly used to hunt submarines and gather intelligence, but for him it's the people he serves with that make his job so rewarding.
"I love to wear the uniform. I love to wear it everyday and it is cause of the people I get to surround myself with. That has been a tremendous honor," he says.
Commander Flaherty now heads to Washington, but his message of hope lives on in the hearts and minds of the future leaders he leaves behind.
