Serving the Patriots of America's Air Force - Air Force secretary James G. Roche - Transcript

Thank you very much. I've heard words spoken tonight and if I believed them I wouldn't be able to get my head through a door let alone ever wear a hat again. But I appreciate them very, very much.

I have dined as an Ensign in a warrant mess on a cruiser where every member of the mess could have been my father. I have dined with Chief Petty Officers in their messes. I have dined with leaders of this world and this country. I have dined with the rich and the middle class. But never have I dined with people of such class as I dine tonight.

I'd like to say a special thanks to the wonderful entertainment show that was put on tonight. It was terrific. For a New York kid, it really meant special things to me. And I so thoroughly appreciate the lovely song that was dedicated to my wife of 42 years. You were great. Thank you.

Chief (Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R.) Murray and (former Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Jim) Finch you were much too kind. Thank you for your kind words and for honoring me in this unique and distinguished manner.

(Former Air Force) Secretary Whit Peters, I now know why you were so terribly proud to tell me you were selected for the Order of the Sword. At the time, this dumb sailor didn't really know what you were talking about. All I knew is that it was something you really thought was one of the high points of your life. I now understand why, Whit. Thank you for telling me about it. Because when I was surprised with this award that only my partner General John Jumper, and of course all the Chiefs knew about and I didn't, my good partner brought a second handkerchief because he knew I would be struck by the thought. And I instinctively said, and I believe it to this moment, that I have worked neither long enough nor hard enough to earn this award. But I have loved enough, so I accept this award--humbly.

I also think it very important, and I could not go further without pointing out that a single person doesn't do very much. One works with others. I have been blessed--and if this award means anything to me it will remind me daily that I have been blessed, not just at home with a wonderful wife and lovely daughter, but with a partner in the leadership of this Air Force, General John Jumper. General Jumper makes a lot happen. Sometimes General Jumper speaks to me and reminds me of those Chief Petty Officers who took me aside when I was an ensign. And he also smiles when I start to fly on my own and I know what I am talking about. He has been a great supporter.

And I think everyone of you know that the things said tonight about my accomplishments are not my accomplishments. They are the accomplishments of an Air Force team that includes General Jumper, our four-stars, our chain of command. And it includes such great men and women as Gerald Murray, Jim Finch, and all of those who are at this table tonight. That's how we do well.

I'm delighted that Admiral and Mrs. Holian could be here this evening. Fran Holian was my Executive Officer when I commanded a DDG (guided missile destroyer). He excelled and went beyond my abilities as a naval officer. He is also a very good friend.

I also want to point out that one of my most important mentors is here tonight. He is my mentor, Bill Bodie's mentor, General Lance Lord's mentor, and he is Brigadier General Rich Hassan's mentor--Andrew Marshall, one of the finest men in the Department of Defense. Andy was the head of the Office of Net Assessment when Admiral Farragut was around and was appointed to the job by General George Washington just before he relinquished command of the Continental Army. He celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary last night. And ladies and gentlemen, tonight is his 82nd birthday. He is still working full time at our Pentagon. General Jumper and I have often relied on one of his many sayings to help you cope with tough times. He once said to me, "There simply are limits to the stupidity any one may can prevent." General Jumper and I call upon that time after time. He also has taught us about bananas and Scotch and a few other things for which we owe him our great thanks. Andy, thank you so much for being here tonight. Please give my best to your lovely wife Mary.

Former Chief Master Sergeants of the Air Force, Command Chiefs, distinguished guests, my beautiful wife Dianne and our lovely daughter Heather, friends and family, ladies and gentlemen, my fellow airmen, I am genuinely humbled to stand before you tonight to accept this honor. While most of you know that I am not usually one who finds it difficult to put my thoughts or perspective into words--particularly when in the company of the enlisted men and women of our Air Force, a special group of Americans with whom I feel a very special bond--I can assure you that tonight, your decision to honor me with this modern order of chivalry has left me quite at a loss to adequately express my profound sense of pride, humility, but also of delight.

Let me simply say to the assembled airmen here tonight that I could not be prouder of you, because in my minds' eye, there is no doubt that my induction into the Air Force Order of the Sword is an honor that reflects more appropriately on your efforts, not on mine. It is your integrity that has built our reputation among the fighting forces of the world. It is your service that protects our nation. And it is your commitment to excellence that enables us to retain our place as the world's finest air and space force. I congratulate you, each and every one of you.