1 00:00:04,960 --> 00:00:10,920 In the coming days, I'll complete over four decades of active service in my tenure as the Chairman. 2 00:00:11,000 --> 00:00:13,200 Before taking off my uniform for the last time, 3 00:00:13,340 --> 00:00:17,580 I wanted to tell you what an honor it has been to serve alongside you and to represent you 4 00:00:17,580 --> 00:00:19,960 here, in Washington D.C., and across the globe. 5 00:00:19,960 --> 00:00:22,500 More importantly, I wanted to take 6 00:00:22,600 --> 00:00:26,110 a minute to simply thank you for who you are and what you do. 7 00:00:26,110 --> 00:00:33,480 Those of you in uniform: Active, Guard, and Reserve represent less than 1% of the American people. 8 00:00:33,480 --> 00:00:36,840 And you've answered the call to serve our nation during a time of war. 9 00:00:37,080 --> 00:00:39,120 You chose to challenge yourself to 10 00:00:39,130 --> 00:00:43,320 excellence and to be a part of something greater than yourself. 11 00:00:43,400 --> 00:00:45,840 You chose to make a difference. 12 00:00:46,760 --> 00:00:50,340 Across the globe, you stand watch on sea, air, and land 13 00:00:50,420 --> 00:00:57,160 as we simultaneously tackle the challenges associated with Russia, China, Iran, North Korea 14 00:00:57,400 --> 00:00:58,980 and violent extremism. 15 00:00:58,980 --> 00:01:02,940 And you are driving change to deal with the challenges of the 21st century 16 00:01:03,100 --> 00:01:06,300 to include those in space and cyberspace. 17 00:01:06,580 --> 00:01:11,040 Like your predecessors, you're ordinary men and women who hail from across the 50 18 00:01:11,040 --> 00:01:15,260 states and U.S. territories but you routinely demonstrate 19 00:01:15,560 --> 00:01:21,140 extraordinary courage, honor, commitment, loyalty and self-sacrifice. 20 00:01:21,140 --> 00:01:22,620 It's because of you that 21 00:01:22,620 --> 00:01:25,740 I'm confident that we can defend the homeland and our way of life. 22 00:01:26,080 --> 00:01:29,420 It's because of you that we have earned the trust and confidence 23 00:01:29,580 --> 00:01:31,960 of allies and partners around the world. 24 00:01:31,960 --> 00:01:34,200 It's because of you that people believe in America. 25 00:01:35,240 --> 00:01:39,620 Over the past four years, I've spoken a lot about the need for our nation to maintain 26 00:01:39,900 --> 00:01:43,300 a competitive advantage over any potential adversary. 27 00:01:43,900 --> 00:01:45,300 You are our most important 28 00:01:45,460 --> 00:01:46,740 competitive advantage. 29 00:01:46,740 --> 00:01:49,720 And any adversary would think twice about committing an 30 00:01:49,840 --> 00:01:51,860 act of aggression because of you. 31 00:01:52,840 --> 00:01:54,140 And all of these words apply equally to our 32 00:01:54,180 --> 00:01:55,860 great civil servants 33 00:01:55,860 --> 00:01:57,860 who are an integral part of the team. 34 00:01:58,520 --> 00:01:59,580 I'd also like to take a 35 00:01:59,580 --> 00:02:01,700 minute to recognize our families. 36 00:02:01,700 --> 00:02:03,840 My wife, Ellen, and I know the unique challenges 37 00:02:03,920 --> 00:02:06,680 and sacrifices of military families. 38 00:02:06,680 --> 00:02:08,840 But we also know that the U.S. military is 39 00:02:09,060 --> 00:02:13,359 strong because of our foundation and our foundation is our families. 40 00:02:13,359 --> 00:02:17,799 One of the most rewarding experiences of the last four years has been meeting 41 00:02:17,800 --> 00:02:20,200 with military families across the force. 42 00:02:20,500 --> 00:02:22,940 Thank you for welcoming us into your homes. 43 00:02:22,940 --> 00:02:25,680 Thank you for your willingness to sacrifice and support. 44 00:02:25,800 --> 00:02:28,140 And thank you for your resilience. 45 00:02:28,720 --> 00:02:30,140 Let me close by saying that 46 00:02:30,240 --> 00:02:35,100 as I depart active service, I depart with incredible pride and gratitude, 47 00:02:35,100 --> 00:02:36,820 not because I'm a general or the Chairman, 48 00:02:36,820 --> 00:02:39,700 but simply because I've stood in ranks 49 00:02:39,880 --> 00:02:42,760 with the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen 50 00:02:43,260 --> 00:02:44,760 who wear the cloth of our nation. 51 00:02:45,740 --> 00:02:48,760 Please know that I'll remain in proud overwatch following my retirement. 52 00:02:49,780 --> 00:02:52,160 God bless you all and Semper Fidelis.