A Question of Honor: The Cheating Scandal That Rocked Annapolis and a Midshipman Who Decided to Tell the Truth - Hardcover

Gantar, Jeffrey; Patten, Tom; O'Donnell, Michael

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0310209129 ISBN 13: 9780310209126

Publisher: Zondervan, 1996

Synopsis

A Question of Honor is an inside look at the Annapolis cheating scandal and Jeffrey Gantar's courageous decision to be true to the spirit of the Honor Code regardless of what it cost him.
A Question of Honor offers a cadet's-eye view of the Academy - what it's like to be part of a tradition that has trained some of the best and brightest officers this nation has ever produced. And it tells the story of how Tom Patten, an Academy counselor, helped Jeffrey Gantar grapple with the shadows of his past and come to terms with what his faith in God required.
Gantar says, "There's a saying in the Brigade: 'That which doesn't kill me can only make me stronger.' I had discovered that I was capable of doing things others found impossible. I had found within myself the capacity for great moral courage."
Gantar was one of the middies who previewed the test, believing it to be "gouge" (Academy lingo for study aids). Others who also saw the test stood by their fabricated stories of innocence and graduated with their commissions. But Gantar felt he could not be true to the Honor Code, to himself, and to his God, if he did not finally admit to seeing the test. Though he lost his planned naval career, Gantar did walk away with his conscience - and the admiration of all who knew him.

About this title

From the Author

My struggle to find myself in midst of a Public Scandal
The book "A Question of Honor" is not a story about the Naval Academy, the Cheating Scandal, or the Honor Concept even though those are elements of the plot. It is my story. The story of my weaknesses and failings in a difficult moral situation. I deserved to be separated from the Academy and I am sorry for the disgrace that the Scandal brought on that institution. The book is not intended to blame anyone else for my actions.

I shared this story for the sole purpose of helping others who might be dealing with the same difficulties and insecurities I faced. Especially those who might be victims of child abuse. I know a story like this could have helped me. I hope the story emphasizes that only through being honest and help from others could I overcome difficult obstacles. Nothing was worse for me than facing the world alone.

I can tell you today, 4 years later, I have no doubts that I made the correct decision when I look at my 1.5 year old son and think about what kind of father I want to be for him. The decision I made at the Academy has positively shaped my life ever since and for that I thankful.

I have learned through the process of making my story public that the moral dilemnas I faced are not unique but rather a part of life. Many people have expressed to me how they have dealt with similar issues. Evidence of this exists in the fact that the problem of cheating continues to plague schools and institutions around the country.

I hope you enjoy the book and feel free to send me your comments. My wife and I would like to say thank you to everyone who has passed on words of encouragement.

Edition details

• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0310209129
• ISBN 13: 9780310209126
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 204