NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The nation's highest-ranking military officer was in Hampton Roads Thursday for a homecoming of sorts. General Charles Q Brown, Jr, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, came to Ferguson Hall on Christopher Newport University's campus. In 1980, he graduated from what was then Homer L. Ferguson High School. He said it felt great to return, and he had a lot of memories. Brown noted that some of what he's been able to do in the almost 40 years he's been in uniform dates back to where he started. Walking through some of those same halls in 2024 and in addressing ROTC cadets, the school's presidential leadership program students, residents and other leaders, he spread a message of opportunity. "If you think about it, leadership is like a salesperson, you have a vision — you're trying to sell that vision to those that you are privileged to lead and get them to buy into the vision," he said, "and if they buy into the vision, you'll get them to execute, but you also have to be willing to adjust the vision." It's leadership skills that CNU students hope to take with them. “Aiding in helping this country and stuff like that is a big deal and I feel like I can take away," said CNU student Kaylee Molina, "a lot from that for my personal experiences." Brown is the first African American to serve as chief of staff in U.S. military History. “You need to keep pressing, keep challenging the status quo," he said. "You can't take no as a final answer." It's a message that inspired many in attendance. “My brother is in the Air Force, so it gives me more dreams and inspiration for him just to hopefully get to that spot or have the same title as him and same opportunities," said CNU student Willow Walton. "I think it's wonderful." Brown said he hopes to make many more visits to Hampton Roads in the future.