Former FBI Special Agent in Charge Addresses Imani Middle School Body
FBI Chief Andrew Bland III encourages students to excel in oration given at "Inspiring Young Minds" Lecture Series
Leader, protector, trailblazer, Army brat, husband, father, son, friend; Andrew Bland III has many titles. Bland, former FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Houston office, took time out of his busy schedule protecting Houstonians from threats locally and abroad to address middle school students in Spring 2009. 
Bland espoused the virtues of setting lofty goals and students doing their "level-best" to achieve them.
He told students of his early career choices beginning with his decision to attend the U.S. Military Academy (which he was able to do upon getting a recommendation from the sitting vice-president) in West Point, N.Y. to switching from an upwardly mobile career in the Army to a career in America's elite law enforcement agency. At each career turn, Bland told students that he gave his best effort.
Bland joined the FBI in 1986. He investigated crimes such as bank robberies, espionage and drug trafficking rings. He assumed control of the massive Houston office two years ago, and sought to uphold his duties as a member of America's elite police force while simultaneously serving the community. Before retiring from a 23-year career in the FBI last May, Mr. Bland ran the Houston Division territory, which encompasses 40 Texas counties. The region breaks down into a headquarters area and six resident agencies in cities like Corpus Christi and Beaumont (that report to the Houston office).
Prior to taking the reins in Houston, Mr. Bland served as Legal attaché in Baghdad, the chief FBI position in Iraq. From his office in Baghdad, Bland witnessed firsthand the fragility of life and what could happen if he is not sharp and focused on his job.
As an Army brat, living in a foreign country was not new to Mr. Bland. He was born on a military base and spent his life moving from one place to another as his father ascended the ranks in the Army and took on new assignments.
Mr. Bland graduated from the prestigious United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. with a bachelor's degree in engineering. The U.S. Army commissioned Mr. Bland into the rank of second lieutenant. He successfully completed both the U.S. Army Airborne and Ranger Schools in Fort Benning, GA.
Mr. Bland is married to the former Cheryl Geddes and is the father of three sons.
