1 00:00:00,140 --> 00:00:03,280 27th Annual National Military Survivor 2 00:00:03,280 --> 00:00:06,290 Seminar in Good Greek Camp in 3 00:00:06,290 --> 00:00:08,010 person and 4 00:00:08,010 --> 00:00:11,960 virtual . 5 00:00:12,340 --> 00:00:15,360 Uh it is so good to be back together . 6 00:00:15,840 --> 00:00:17,880 It is absolutely wonderful to see 7 00:00:17,880 --> 00:00:20,620 everybody in three dimension . I know 8 00:00:20,620 --> 00:00:22,731 we've been together on zoom , some of 9 00:00:22,731 --> 00:00:24,620 us have been together at regional 10 00:00:24,620 --> 00:00:27,000 seminars . Many of you are here at taps 11 00:00:27,010 --> 00:00:30,380 for the very first time . I want you to 12 00:00:30,380 --> 00:00:34,060 know that you are in the right place . 13 00:00:35,040 --> 00:00:37,540 This is our home for the weekend and 14 00:00:37,540 --> 00:00:40,140 this is a beautiful place where love is 15 00:00:40,140 --> 00:00:42,250 spoken , where stories are told and 16 00:00:42,250 --> 00:00:45,870 where legacies live . I want to give 17 00:00:45,880 --> 00:00:48,060 another round of applause to Audrey 18 00:00:48,060 --> 00:00:50,227 Bogle's dyke who is a Navy veteran , a 19 00:00:50,227 --> 00:00:52,060 navy surviving spouse , our vice 20 00:00:52,060 --> 00:00:54,227 president of survivor services attacks 21 00:00:54,227 --> 00:00:57,380 and an amazing singer . Audrey . You 22 00:00:57,380 --> 00:00:58,380 are awesome . 23 00:01:01,940 --> 00:01:05,790 Yeah , that national anthem 24 00:01:05,790 --> 00:01:08,150 was from the heart and it was 25 00:01:08,150 --> 00:01:12,020 magnificent . I 26 00:01:12,020 --> 00:01:15,420 am a military daughter . I 27 00:01:15,420 --> 00:01:18,560 am a military veteran 28 00:01:19,340 --> 00:01:23,340 and I am a military survivor . I 29 00:01:23,340 --> 00:01:26,080 lived the american dream just as you 30 00:01:26,080 --> 00:01:28,950 did and then that dream was shattered 31 00:01:29,340 --> 00:01:33,230 just as it was in your life . When my 32 00:01:33,230 --> 00:01:35,341 husband and seven other soldiers were 33 00:01:35,341 --> 00:01:37,420 killed in an army plane crash in the 34 00:01:37,420 --> 00:01:40,350 mountains of Alaska . There was no taps . 35 00:01:41,040 --> 00:01:43,040 There was no place for all of us to 36 00:01:43,040 --> 00:01:45,790 find this community of wonderful care 37 00:01:45,800 --> 00:01:48,860 to come together and support each other , 38 00:01:50,140 --> 00:01:54,030 Not just to Grieve as one but to live 39 00:01:54,040 --> 00:01:57,010 as one . You know , we were expected to 40 00:01:57,010 --> 00:01:59,260 be strong , we were told that time 41 00:01:59,260 --> 00:02:02,090 would heal and we should be over . It . 42 00:02:02,090 --> 00:02:05,450 Has anyone heard that ? But 43 00:02:06,040 --> 00:02:08,860 I know people mean well uh 44 00:02:10,640 --> 00:02:12,910 but after looking around for this kind 45 00:02:12,910 --> 00:02:15,021 of community , this kind of support , 46 00:02:15,021 --> 00:02:17,132 this kind of family , I found that it 47 00:02:17,132 --> 00:02:19,380 didn't exist for the military And wow , 48 00:02:19,380 --> 00:02:21,602 there was that point where I said , you 49 00:02:21,602 --> 00:02:23,824 know what if not now then when and went 50 00:02:23,824 --> 00:02:26,580 ahead and and gathered up survivors and 51 00:02:26,580 --> 00:02:28,358 started talking and talk to the 52 00:02:28,358 --> 00:02:30,524 Department of Veterans Affairs and the 53 00:02:30,524 --> 00:02:33,640 Department of Defense and identified 54 00:02:33,640 --> 00:02:36,340 the gaps that existed in what was 55 00:02:36,340 --> 00:02:38,960 available from the government and what 56 00:02:38,960 --> 00:02:40,904 was offered already in the private 57 00:02:40,904 --> 00:02:43,120 sector . And it was out of all of that 58 00:02:43,120 --> 00:02:45,287 research and out of that love and care 59 00:02:45,287 --> 00:02:47,509 and the little group of us that huddled 60 00:02:47,509 --> 00:02:49,731 around that we developed this wonderful 61 00:02:49,731 --> 00:02:51,842 organization and we knew there had to 62 00:02:51,842 --> 00:02:54,064 be more of us out there . It was just a 63 00:02:54,064 --> 00:02:56,390 matter of building that home for 64 00:02:56,400 --> 00:03:00,350 everyone to come together . So taps has 65 00:03:00,350 --> 00:03:03,810 been built on love . And today we are 66 00:03:03,810 --> 00:03:07,780 recognized as the front line partner of 67 00:03:07,780 --> 00:03:10,290 the military casualty branches and 68 00:03:10,290 --> 00:03:13,370 providing support , comfort and care to 69 00:03:13,380 --> 00:03:15,800 all those grieving the loss of a loved 70 00:03:15,800 --> 00:03:18,570 one , no matter how or where that loss 71 00:03:18,570 --> 00:03:20,681 occurred , no matter our relationship 72 00:03:20,681 --> 00:03:23,110 to them . And no matter of the duty 73 00:03:23,110 --> 00:03:25,890 status . If their life included 74 00:03:25,890 --> 00:03:27,946 selfless service to this nation , we 75 00:03:27,946 --> 00:03:30,060 are there for them with resources and 76 00:03:30,060 --> 00:03:33,420 support . We have emotional support to 77 00:03:33,420 --> 00:03:36,090 heal our hearts . Casework , assistance , 78 00:03:36,320 --> 00:03:39,140 to meet our needs . Our 24/7 helpline 79 00:03:39,140 --> 00:03:42,560 is there for our darkest hours 80 00:03:43,040 --> 00:03:44,929 and our community based cares our 81 00:03:44,929 --> 00:03:46,873 connection to every bit of support 82 00:03:46,873 --> 00:03:49,120 that's available wherever we live 83 00:03:49,130 --> 00:03:50,450 across this country . 84 00:03:52,940 --> 00:03:56,160 We don't have a membership . The 85 00:03:56,940 --> 00:03:59,450 because the price of admission to this 86 00:03:59,450 --> 00:04:02,640 organization is the death of someone we 87 00:04:02,640 --> 00:04:06,150 love . And that is the highest price 88 00:04:06,400 --> 00:04:09,930 anyone can pay . We are here together 89 00:04:09,930 --> 00:04:13,170 to love and honor our heroes , to 90 00:04:13,170 --> 00:04:15,226 remember the lives lived and to love 91 00:04:15,226 --> 00:04:17,850 and to honor each other . This is our 92 00:04:17,850 --> 00:04:19,961 home for the weekend . Whether you're 93 00:04:19,961 --> 00:04:22,072 here in this room in person and thank 94 00:04:22,072 --> 00:04:24,017 you for making the journey and and 95 00:04:24,017 --> 00:04:26,072 having the courage to come or you're 96 00:04:26,072 --> 00:04:28,300 watching us virtually . We're so 97 00:04:28,300 --> 00:04:30,189 grateful that you're part of this 98 00:04:30,189 --> 00:04:32,411 family and that you've reached out your 99 00:04:32,411 --> 00:04:34,356 hand because we're grabbing on and 100 00:04:34,356 --> 00:04:36,860 we're holding it tight . I , I've got 101 00:04:36,860 --> 00:04:39,370 to say , I bet when you told people 102 00:04:39,370 --> 00:04:41,148 that you were coming to a brief 103 00:04:41,148 --> 00:04:43,314 conference for the weekend , they were 104 00:04:43,314 --> 00:04:45,370 like , oh , I'm so glad . No , thank 105 00:04:45,370 --> 00:04:48,980 God . Finally , but I honestly , did 106 00:04:48,980 --> 00:04:51,036 you think any of them envisioned you 107 00:04:51,036 --> 00:04:52,980 would be having like a dance party 108 00:04:52,980 --> 00:04:55,036 beforehand and there would be a drum 109 00:04:55,036 --> 00:04:58,790 set on the stage ? Okay . Downrange 110 00:04:58,800 --> 00:05:00,911 has been a wonderful part of taps for 111 00:05:00,911 --> 00:05:03,189 many , many years . It's the army band . 112 00:05:03,189 --> 00:05:05,411 They tell us that this is the one event 113 00:05:05,411 --> 00:05:07,522 of the year that they circle and they 114 00:05:07,522 --> 00:05:09,689 wouldn't miss for anything . They were 115 00:05:09,689 --> 00:05:11,744 just in this room two hours ago with 116 00:05:11,744 --> 00:05:13,856 the kids and lifted the roof off this 117 00:05:13,856 --> 00:05:15,744 hotel . It was , it was awesome . 118 00:05:15,744 --> 00:05:17,633 Crystal Dreams . Who was the lead 119 00:05:17,633 --> 00:05:19,633 singer ? How many of you saw her on 120 00:05:19,633 --> 00:05:21,467 America's Got Talent with voices 121 00:05:21,467 --> 00:05:24,880 observers . She is 122 00:05:24,880 --> 00:05:28,230 amazing and spoiler alert . Voices of 123 00:05:28,230 --> 00:05:30,341 service is going to be performing for 124 00:05:30,341 --> 00:05:31,341 us tomorrow 125 00:05:31,341 --> 00:05:35,290 night . Oh my 126 00:05:35,290 --> 00:05:38,670 gosh , amazing . They're beautiful and 127 00:05:38,680 --> 00:05:40,680 I hope you just felt the heart that 128 00:05:40,680 --> 00:05:42,791 they have and the love that they have 129 00:05:42,791 --> 00:05:44,847 for all of us . This is personal and 130 00:05:44,847 --> 00:05:47,260 and we are family but this is your time , 131 00:05:47,840 --> 00:05:49,896 this is your time to be here . It is 132 00:05:49,896 --> 00:05:53,590 your time to heal . Sometimes we come 133 00:05:53,590 --> 00:05:56,710 with our hearts lighter and 134 00:05:56,710 --> 00:05:59,860 sometimes we come with a heavy heart 135 00:06:00,640 --> 00:06:02,890 and sometimes we just don't feel like 136 00:06:02,890 --> 00:06:05,001 we have much of a heart left at all . 137 00:06:06,340 --> 00:06:08,560 You know a survivor once said to me , 138 00:06:09,040 --> 00:06:12,420 we we are here because they 139 00:06:12,430 --> 00:06:16,230 died . We're actually here because 140 00:06:16,230 --> 00:06:19,260 they lived and oh they 141 00:06:19,260 --> 00:06:23,020 lived and we love them . We're 142 00:06:23,020 --> 00:06:25,180 here honoring a life that included 143 00:06:25,180 --> 00:06:28,870 selfless service to this nation . And 144 00:06:28,870 --> 00:06:31,930 we know just with a look across the 145 00:06:31,930 --> 00:06:35,310 room that we are understood and we are 146 00:06:35,310 --> 00:06:38,550 embraced early on when 147 00:06:38,560 --> 00:06:41,300 our big national gathering could fit 148 00:06:41,300 --> 00:06:43,910 around just two or three tables . We 149 00:06:43,910 --> 00:06:46,132 had the chairman of the Joint Chiefs at 150 00:06:46,132 --> 00:06:48,260 the time . General John Shalikashvili 151 00:06:48,260 --> 00:06:50,460 come and speak to us at our banquet . 152 00:06:51,340 --> 00:06:53,396 And he really didn't know much about 153 00:06:53,396 --> 00:06:55,507 what we were doing . But as he sat at 154 00:06:55,507 --> 00:06:57,507 the table and he listened to people 155 00:06:57,507 --> 00:07:00,090 sharing photos and telling stories , 156 00:07:00,090 --> 00:07:02,680 telling the life story , getting to 157 00:07:02,680 --> 00:07:04,513 know each other's loved ones and 158 00:07:04,513 --> 00:07:06,513 getting to know each other . He had 159 00:07:06,513 --> 00:07:08,790 this epiphany and he said when he got 160 00:07:08,790 --> 00:07:11,660 up to speak , he said , now I get it . 161 00:07:12,240 --> 00:07:15,150 We in the military can't do for you 162 00:07:15,540 --> 00:07:18,660 what you must do for each other . 163 00:07:19,440 --> 00:07:21,607 So now the military and the government 164 00:07:21,607 --> 00:07:23,607 can render final honors provide the 165 00:07:23,607 --> 00:07:26,000 final resting place , administer the 166 00:07:26,000 --> 00:07:28,056 government benefits to those who are 167 00:07:28,056 --> 00:07:32,000 eligible . But what we can't do is wrap 168 00:07:32,000 --> 00:07:34,490 our arms around as you do with each 169 00:07:34,490 --> 00:07:37,500 other as a mother can do to another 170 00:07:37,500 --> 00:07:39,990 mother is a widow , comforting another 171 00:07:39,990 --> 00:07:42,000 widow , creating this family . And 172 00:07:42,000 --> 00:07:44,470 these generations of pure mentors that 173 00:07:44,470 --> 00:07:46,910 come back to taps to provide support 174 00:07:46,910 --> 00:07:50,450 and community . You know 175 00:07:51,040 --> 00:07:54,130 what he witnessed were conversations 176 00:07:54,270 --> 00:07:57,360 that were authentic and that were raw . 177 00:07:57,740 --> 00:07:59,851 You'll find a taps that we don't talk 178 00:07:59,851 --> 00:08:02,220 much about the weather because we have 179 00:08:02,220 --> 00:08:04,500 bigger things to talk about . We talk 180 00:08:04,500 --> 00:08:07,760 about life and we talk about loss . We 181 00:08:07,760 --> 00:08:10,360 talk about joy . We talk about pain . 182 00:08:11,340 --> 00:08:14,050 We are there for each other without 183 00:08:14,050 --> 00:08:16,860 judgement , with only acceptance . 184 00:08:19,640 --> 00:08:22,350 So he pledged his support and when he 185 00:08:22,350 --> 00:08:24,072 went back to the pentagon , he 186 00:08:24,072 --> 00:08:26,330 connected all of the casualty branches 187 00:08:26,330 --> 00:08:28,552 with what we were doing , who we were , 188 00:08:28,552 --> 00:08:30,552 what we were about . And since that 189 00:08:30,552 --> 00:08:32,219 time we have had this amazing 190 00:08:32,219 --> 00:08:34,720 relationship . General martin Dempsey . 191 00:08:34,730 --> 00:08:36,897 Former chairman of the Joint Chiefs is 192 00:08:36,897 --> 00:08:38,952 actually on our board of directors . 193 00:08:38,952 --> 00:08:40,563 Deb mullen , the wife of his 194 00:08:40,563 --> 00:08:42,619 predecessor . Admiral Mike mullen is 195 00:08:42,619 --> 00:08:44,730 also on our board of directors and on 196 00:08:44,730 --> 00:08:46,952 saturday night in true taps tradition . 197 00:08:46,952 --> 00:08:48,841 General Mark Milley , the current 198 00:08:48,841 --> 00:08:50,897 Chairman of the Joint Chiefs will be 199 00:08:50,897 --> 00:08:52,452 with us for dinner . Yeah . 200 00:08:57,440 --> 00:09:00,930 So the heart of what we do is hope and 201 00:09:00,930 --> 00:09:03,450 healing . It is honor and remembrance . 202 00:09:03,840 --> 00:09:07,660 It's learning not just to survive 203 00:09:08,140 --> 00:09:10,820 but to thrive , to become stronger in 204 00:09:10,820 --> 00:09:13,520 the broken places to honor the life 205 00:09:13,520 --> 00:09:16,850 lived , no matter how or where that 206 00:09:16,860 --> 00:09:20,150 death occurred . A taps . 207 00:09:20,940 --> 00:09:24,450 We have a simple prayer . Thank 208 00:09:24,460 --> 00:09:26,960 God for the little while , 209 00:09:28,640 --> 00:09:32,510 Whether they were 19 or 90 . The time 210 00:09:32,510 --> 00:09:34,910 we had with those we love would never 211 00:09:34,910 --> 00:09:38,770 be enough . But thank God we had them 212 00:09:38,770 --> 00:09:42,620 in our lives and they loved us and 213 00:09:42,620 --> 00:09:46,620 we loved them and we still 214 00:09:46,630 --> 00:09:50,370 do . I 215 00:09:50,370 --> 00:09:54,290 believe that love is stronger 216 00:09:54,410 --> 00:09:57,550 than death , that the lives of those 217 00:09:57,550 --> 00:10:01,040 who we love and remember our edged not 218 00:10:01,040 --> 00:10:03,710 just into a granite marker on a grave 219 00:10:03,710 --> 00:10:07,510 site but carved into stone into our 220 00:10:07,510 --> 00:10:09,980 soul and printed on our hearts and 221 00:10:09,980 --> 00:10:13,050 woven into the fabric of our nation . 222 00:10:13,840 --> 00:10:17,450 They make us stronger . They inspire us 223 00:10:18,040 --> 00:10:21,060 and in that way they are eternal 224 00:10:23,540 --> 00:10:26,380 of our loved ones whose names are 225 00:10:26,380 --> 00:10:28,830 carved into stone . We may say they 226 00:10:28,830 --> 00:10:30,950 were incredibly irrepressibly full of 227 00:10:30,950 --> 00:10:34,360 life and ask if they were not immortal , 228 00:10:35,340 --> 00:10:39,050 what of the rest of us ? Well , 229 00:10:39,940 --> 00:10:43,720 they are immortal because they live on 230 00:10:43,840 --> 00:10:46,940 in the words and hopefully the deeds of 231 00:10:46,950 --> 00:10:49,550 every person whose life they touched . 232 00:10:52,040 --> 00:10:55,200 My husband really was my hero . He was 233 00:10:55,200 --> 00:10:57,800 an amazing man and he was a really 234 00:10:57,800 --> 00:10:59,950 gifted speaker . And if you were here 235 00:10:59,950 --> 00:11:01,839 today , his words to you would be 236 00:11:01,839 --> 00:11:05,550 simple . Life is rarely understandable 237 00:11:06,140 --> 00:11:09,050 and it is often very unfair . 238 00:11:10,640 --> 00:11:13,930 We're all living on borrowed time time 239 00:11:13,930 --> 00:11:16,900 borrowed from God . The material things 240 00:11:16,900 --> 00:11:19,630 in life are fleeting and it is our 241 00:11:19,630 --> 00:11:22,560 friendships and our family that remain 242 00:11:23,340 --> 00:11:26,850 cherish each moment that you have . 243 00:11:28,040 --> 00:11:30,520 As long as our country lives , Those 244 00:11:30,520 --> 00:11:32,631 who have given their lives in service 245 00:11:32,631 --> 00:11:35,150 to their nation will never be forgotten . 246 00:11:36,140 --> 00:11:39,690 This memorial day , America will pause 247 00:11:39,690 --> 00:11:42,450 to reflect on the tremendous sacrifices 248 00:11:42,450 --> 00:11:45,560 made by our military and our military 249 00:11:45,560 --> 00:11:47,727 is holding the names of our loved ones 250 00:11:47,727 --> 00:11:51,030 close in their hearts , we stand 251 00:11:51,030 --> 00:11:53,141 shoulder to shoulder attacks with the 252 00:11:53,141 --> 00:11:54,974 Department of Defense to deliver 253 00:11:54,974 --> 00:11:57,470 services and support immediately after 254 00:11:57,480 --> 00:12:00,240 the death of a service member , no 255 00:12:00,240 --> 00:12:02,184 matter how or where that death has 256 00:12:02,184 --> 00:12:04,810 occurred , taps is connected to that 257 00:12:04,820 --> 00:12:06,764 family . They are told that we are 258 00:12:06,764 --> 00:12:08,810 there for them with open arms with 259 00:12:08,810 --> 00:12:11,370 additional support , with comfort and 260 00:12:11,370 --> 00:12:13,840 care . With a kind word from someone 261 00:12:13,840 --> 00:12:15,784 who has walked this journey and is 262 00:12:15,784 --> 00:12:18,007 ready to take them by the hand and lead 263 00:12:18,007 --> 00:12:21,660 them forward . Yeah . We are so 264 00:12:21,660 --> 00:12:23,350 honored to have that kind of 265 00:12:23,350 --> 00:12:26,280 relationship Now for nearly 30 years 266 00:12:26,280 --> 00:12:28,280 for the Department of Defense . And 267 00:12:28,280 --> 00:12:31,470 today I am particularly honored in one 268 00:12:31,470 --> 00:12:33,790 of her first public appearances we have 269 00:12:33,790 --> 00:12:35,860 with us , the Deputy Secretary of 270 00:12:35,860 --> 00:12:39,460 Defense , Dr Kathleen Hicks . Dr Hicks 271 00:12:39,460 --> 00:12:40,060 is a 272 00:12:47,240 --> 00:12:50,430 Dr Hicks is the 35th Deputy Secretary 273 00:12:50,430 --> 00:12:53,070 of Defense and holds a PhD in political 274 00:12:53,070 --> 00:12:54,792 science from the massachusetts 275 00:12:54,792 --> 00:12:57,150 Institute of Technology . She is the 276 00:12:57,150 --> 00:12:58,983 former senior vice president and 277 00:12:58,983 --> 00:13:01,150 director of the International Security 278 00:13:01,150 --> 00:13:03,372 program at the Center for Strategic and 279 00:13:03,372 --> 00:13:05,280 International Studies . She's an 280 00:13:05,280 --> 00:13:07,391 extraordinary woman . She understands 281 00:13:07,391 --> 00:13:09,940 our mission . She gets it . She knows 282 00:13:09,940 --> 00:13:13,180 who we are and why we're here . And dr 283 00:13:13,180 --> 00:13:15,370 Hicks , I'm so grateful that you've 284 00:13:15,370 --> 00:13:17,960 joined us . Please join me in welcoming 285 00:13:17,980 --> 00:13:20,147 the deputy Secretary of Defense of the 286 00:13:20,147 --> 00:13:22,390 United States of America . Dr Kathleen 287 00:13:22,390 --> 00:13:23,660 Hicks . 288 00:13:28,640 --> 00:13:29,640 Thank you . 289 00:13:34,140 --> 00:13:37,550 Oh , thank you all . Good morning . 290 00:13:37,550 --> 00:13:39,883 Thank you for that introduction bonding . 291 00:13:39,883 --> 00:13:41,994 And it's such a pleasure for me to be 292 00:13:41,994 --> 00:13:43,939 with all of you today and have the 293 00:13:43,939 --> 00:13:45,939 opportunity to thank Bonnie and her 294 00:13:45,939 --> 00:13:47,939 whole team . And just to see all of 295 00:13:47,939 --> 00:13:50,510 your faces here , As Bonnie said . And 296 00:13:50,510 --> 00:13:52,732 as you all are more than well aware for 297 00:13:52,732 --> 00:13:55,240 over 30 years taxes built in 298 00:13:55,250 --> 00:13:57,270 unparalleled community and touched 299 00:13:57,270 --> 00:13:59,980 innumerable lives . You are absolutely 300 00:13:59,980 --> 00:14:02,202 remarkable as a community again . Thank 301 00:14:02,202 --> 00:14:04,369 you for coming . I know we have people 302 00:14:04,369 --> 00:14:06,591 joining us virtually , but for those in 303 00:14:06,591 --> 00:14:08,930 the room , it's so wonderful to be able 304 00:14:08,930 --> 00:14:11,041 to gather , isn't it ? After the year 305 00:14:11,041 --> 00:14:12,874 we've had to come back in person 306 00:14:12,874 --> 00:14:15,870 together . Thank you those of you who 307 00:14:15,870 --> 00:14:18,860 traveled from far to get here and I'm 308 00:14:18,860 --> 00:14:20,971 sure had to undertake many logistical 309 00:14:20,971 --> 00:14:22,971 hurdles . It's just so wonderful to 310 00:14:22,971 --> 00:14:25,100 have this community . If this is the 311 00:14:25,100 --> 00:14:28,190 first time that you're joining taps , I 312 00:14:28,200 --> 00:14:30,033 want to welcome you to this just 313 00:14:30,033 --> 00:14:31,922 extraordinary gathering , it's an 314 00:14:31,922 --> 00:14:33,980 organization that stands ready to 315 00:14:33,980 --> 00:14:37,160 assist at all times every day and it 316 00:14:37,160 --> 00:14:39,300 understands that no one should go 317 00:14:39,300 --> 00:14:41,870 through this alone . Um , I'm 318 00:14:41,870 --> 00:14:43,926 incredibly honored to be with you on 319 00:14:43,926 --> 00:14:46,180 Memorial Day weekend . I come from a 320 00:14:46,180 --> 00:14:48,850 military family . It's a large family . 321 00:14:48,850 --> 00:14:51,700 I am one of seven and my father had a 322 00:14:51,700 --> 00:14:53,867 more than 30 year career in the navy . 323 00:14:53,867 --> 00:14:55,700 Three of my siblings were in the 324 00:14:55,700 --> 00:14:57,570 military , several of our next 325 00:14:57,570 --> 00:14:59,570 generation also served and we still 326 00:14:59,570 --> 00:15:02,670 have one on active duty . Probably like 327 00:15:02,670 --> 00:15:04,780 many of you . I've lived all across 328 00:15:04,780 --> 00:15:07,260 this country from Hawaii to Connecticut . 329 00:15:08,140 --> 00:15:10,570 My husband is also a brat air force in 330 00:15:10,570 --> 00:15:12,640 his case and he has also served as a 331 00:15:12,640 --> 00:15:14,807 civilian and the Department of Defense 332 00:15:15,340 --> 00:15:17,360 as a civilian . I've dedicated my 333 00:15:17,360 --> 00:15:19,527 career to the U . S . Military and the 334 00:15:19,527 --> 00:15:21,693 nation's defense for also almost three 335 00:15:21,693 --> 00:15:23,582 decades taps and I have a similar 336 00:15:23,582 --> 00:15:25,790 career trajectory . I began working at 337 00:15:25,790 --> 00:15:28,012 the pentagon in my early twenties and I 338 00:15:28,012 --> 00:15:30,910 was there on 9 11 when we lost 125 co 339 00:15:30,910 --> 00:15:33,490 workers and all 64 passengers of 340 00:15:33,490 --> 00:15:36,730 american Airlines flight 77 . This is 341 00:15:36,730 --> 00:15:39,100 all simply to say that the military 342 00:15:39,100 --> 00:15:42,620 family is also my family but you you 343 00:15:42,620 --> 00:15:44,842 are a very special community within our 344 00:15:44,842 --> 00:15:47,530 military family . Even as the nation 345 00:15:47,530 --> 00:15:49,510 pauses this weekend to express 346 00:15:49,510 --> 00:15:51,520 gratitude for all that you and your 347 00:15:51,520 --> 00:15:53,850 loved ones have given for this country . 348 00:15:54,440 --> 00:15:56,400 Those of us outside the survivor 349 00:15:56,400 --> 00:15:58,460 community can't really know what it 350 00:15:58,460 --> 00:16:01,750 means or how it feels . Some of you , 351 00:16:01,750 --> 00:16:03,980 I'm sure are caring for others who are 352 00:16:03,980 --> 00:16:06,202 themselves grieving . You're likely the 353 00:16:06,202 --> 00:16:08,680 primary caregivers for those people . 354 00:16:08,690 --> 00:16:11,650 Even as you are grieving and living 355 00:16:12,740 --> 00:16:15,430 for all of you . I can't truly know 356 00:16:15,440 --> 00:16:17,560 what it means to walk in your shoes , 357 00:16:17,940 --> 00:16:20,740 but I can and I do admire that . You 358 00:16:20,740 --> 00:16:23,560 keep walking . My heart goes out to 359 00:16:23,570 --> 00:16:26,680 every one of you memorial day in 360 00:16:26,680 --> 00:16:28,347 gatherings like this are real 361 00:16:28,347 --> 00:16:31,130 opportunity for our nation to thank you , 362 00:16:31,140 --> 00:16:33,196 to recognize you and your loved ones 363 00:16:33,196 --> 00:16:36,190 and to honor them for that as the 364 00:16:36,190 --> 00:16:38,301 deputy Secretary of defense and as an 365 00:16:38,301 --> 00:16:40,640 american citizen , I am forever 366 00:16:40,640 --> 00:16:43,860 grateful . And while we publicly 367 00:16:43,860 --> 00:16:46,050 celebrate your loved ones , you all 368 00:16:46,050 --> 00:16:48,430 knew them individually and intimately 369 00:16:48,440 --> 00:16:51,600 as family members and friends . You 370 00:16:51,600 --> 00:16:53,920 have the daily reminders and stories to 371 00:16:53,920 --> 00:16:56,180 tell and to retell to keep the 372 00:16:56,180 --> 00:16:58,750 connection to them alive And this 373 00:16:58,750 --> 00:17:01,130 opportunity this weekend to gather here 374 00:17:01,140 --> 00:17:03,307 and share with each other your stories 375 00:17:03,307 --> 00:17:06,760 and those lives is so important more 376 00:17:06,760 --> 00:17:08,816 than that . We're also here to honor 377 00:17:08,816 --> 00:17:11,270 you to be with you and to support you 378 00:17:11,740 --> 00:17:13,760 here with taps . You are surrounded 379 00:17:13,760 --> 00:17:17,340 with support and by community . I was 380 00:17:17,340 --> 00:17:19,562 speaking last night to my husband about 381 00:17:19,562 --> 00:17:21,673 coming here this morning growing up , 382 00:17:21,673 --> 00:17:23,729 he and his family were close friends 383 00:17:23,729 --> 00:17:26,000 with another airport family and the 384 00:17:26,000 --> 00:17:28,222 father of that family , a pilot who was 385 00:17:28,222 --> 00:17:30,333 a mentor to his father , my father in 386 00:17:30,333 --> 00:17:33,960 law and that family had two young 387 00:17:33,960 --> 00:17:36,016 boys just like him and his brother . 388 00:17:36,440 --> 00:17:38,607 Yeah . The father was declared missing 389 00:17:38,607 --> 00:17:40,496 in action and eventually declared 390 00:17:40,496 --> 00:17:43,120 deceased in Vietnam . And that last 391 00:17:43,130 --> 00:17:44,950 loss . Excuse me . Absolutely 392 00:17:44,950 --> 00:17:47,172 devastated , of course the family , but 393 00:17:47,172 --> 00:17:49,880 it also devastated the community . So 394 00:17:49,880 --> 00:17:51,824 my husband and I were talking last 395 00:17:51,824 --> 00:17:54,158 night about how critical that community , 396 00:17:54,158 --> 00:17:56,213 the families , friends and neighbors 397 00:17:56,213 --> 00:17:58,770 were for that kind of mutual support . 398 00:17:59,140 --> 00:18:01,590 Each one of you has your own story of 399 00:18:01,590 --> 00:18:04,760 loss and grief and living and you 400 00:18:04,760 --> 00:18:06,927 deserve support from the Department of 401 00:18:06,927 --> 00:18:09,710 Defense and you deserve to know that it 402 00:18:09,710 --> 00:18:11,766 is a family to which you will always 403 00:18:11,766 --> 00:18:15,120 belong . But here you come together as 404 00:18:15,120 --> 00:18:17,910 a family of survivors taps is the 405 00:18:17,910 --> 00:18:19,980 embodiment of what being in this 406 00:18:19,980 --> 00:18:22,990 military should mean . And no matter 407 00:18:22,990 --> 00:18:25,460 how you got here or how long it has 408 00:18:25,460 --> 00:18:27,860 been since you have begun coming here , 409 00:18:28,340 --> 00:18:31,260 Bonnie and her team welcome everyone 410 00:18:31,270 --> 00:18:34,300 with hugs and tears and laughter . And 411 00:18:34,300 --> 00:18:36,411 I have seen that in only five minutes 412 00:18:36,411 --> 00:18:38,467 walking down the hallway with Bonnie 413 00:18:38,467 --> 00:18:42,170 today . Touts helps us , including me . 414 00:18:42,180 --> 00:18:44,570 As I stand here today with you , take 415 00:18:44,580 --> 00:18:46,960 love and strength back into the world . 416 00:18:47,840 --> 00:18:50,290 This amazing organization is knitting 417 00:18:50,290 --> 00:18:53,040 together volunteers specialists , 418 00:18:53,050 --> 00:18:56,060 service members , family , colleagues 419 00:18:56,060 --> 00:18:58,840 and friends . It is a remarkable cross 420 00:18:58,840 --> 00:19:01,290 section that really does represent the 421 00:19:01,290 --> 00:19:03,960 best of this country and this year's 422 00:19:03,960 --> 00:19:05,904 program will only strengthen those 423 00:19:05,904 --> 00:19:09,220 connections . I know that you had the 424 00:19:09,220 --> 00:19:11,220 Good Grief camp . I think it may be 425 00:19:11,220 --> 00:19:13,442 happening right now and I'm so grateful 426 00:19:13,442 --> 00:19:15,609 that these Children have a safe harbor 427 00:19:15,609 --> 00:19:17,690 here to shelter them , a bond of 428 00:19:17,690 --> 00:19:20,830 community to support them . Um , what a 429 00:19:20,830 --> 00:19:22,886 gift that you're giving them . Thank 430 00:19:22,886 --> 00:19:24,886 you for those who brought them here 431 00:19:24,886 --> 00:19:26,997 today . Let me just close by thanking 432 00:19:26,997 --> 00:19:29,500 you and wishing you great strength on 433 00:19:29,500 --> 00:19:31,940 this Memorial Day weekend . Please know 434 00:19:31,940 --> 00:19:33,829 that we are standing with you and 435 00:19:33,829 --> 00:19:35,980 remembering all those that we this 436 00:19:35,980 --> 00:19:38,520 nation and you as families and friends 437 00:19:38,530 --> 00:19:40,770 have lost . Thank you again . And I 438 00:19:40,770 --> 00:19:42,660 hope it's a great weekend . 439 00:19:48,510 --> 00:19:49,360 Come on , 440 00:20:12,040 --> 00:20:14,450 wow , that was absolutely brilliant . 441 00:20:14,450 --> 00:20:17,300 She's got to get back to the pentagon . 442 00:20:17,310 --> 00:20:21,170 They have a lot going on . But it was 443 00:20:21,180 --> 00:20:23,510 amazing that she was able to be with us 444 00:20:23,520 --> 00:20:26,070 Now . I'm just so touched by , by her 445 00:20:26,070 --> 00:20:29,250 words . We were very fortunate in the 446 00:20:29,250 --> 00:20:31,540 good greek camp this morning To hear 447 00:20:31,540 --> 00:20:35,500 from the most senior enlisted member 448 00:20:35,500 --> 00:20:38,270 of our american Military forces , 449 00:20:38,940 --> 00:20:41,162 senior enlisted advisor to the Chairman 450 00:20:41,162 --> 00:20:43,670 of Joint Chiefs of Staff . Ramon colon 451 00:20:43,670 --> 00:20:45,900 Lopez is the United States Air Force 452 00:20:45,900 --> 00:20:48,480 Pararescue men . He has served in 453 00:20:48,480 --> 00:20:50,680 combat deployments around the world , 454 00:20:50,680 --> 00:20:54,180 including in Iraq , Afghanistan , Syria , 455 00:20:54,190 --> 00:20:57,360 Somalia and so many other locations . 456 00:20:58,040 --> 00:21:00,096 He and I have a connection that goes 457 00:21:00,096 --> 00:21:02,690 back relate to the nineties when I 458 00:21:02,690 --> 00:21:04,912 served in the Alaska Air National Guard 459 00:21:04,912 --> 00:21:07,580 with the 2/10 Air Rescue Squadron with 460 00:21:07,580 --> 00:21:09,780 the pararescue men . And have a great 461 00:21:09,780 --> 00:21:12,002 respect for your career field . We have 462 00:21:12,002 --> 00:21:14,224 many mutual friends . But back in those 463 00:21:14,224 --> 00:21:16,930 days , taps had a charity sporting 464 00:21:16,930 --> 00:21:19,290 event called the Armed Forces Eco 465 00:21:19,290 --> 00:21:21,457 Challenge . It was a qualifier for the 466 00:21:21,457 --> 00:21:23,750 big Eco challenge and every branch of 467 00:21:23,750 --> 00:21:25,861 the military put forward their best , 468 00:21:25,861 --> 00:21:28,730 most elite special forces to compete in 469 00:21:28,730 --> 00:21:32,090 that . And we had the , the green 470 00:21:32,090 --> 00:21:34,600 Berets rangers , the pararescue in the 471 00:21:34,600 --> 00:21:37,530 force recon from the marines and for 472 00:21:37,530 --> 00:21:40,230 both years that we did that race . I 473 00:21:40,230 --> 00:21:42,970 have to say it was the pararescue man 474 00:21:43,060 --> 00:21:45,990 that took it and uh it 475 00:21:45,990 --> 00:21:47,160 was 476 00:21:50,040 --> 00:21:53,160 but many mutual friends through that . 477 00:21:53,940 --> 00:21:56,290 So as I said , the good grief camp 478 00:21:56,290 --> 00:21:58,960 opening was epic . It was absolutely 479 00:21:58,960 --> 00:22:01,630 magnificent . And sir your remarks were 480 00:22:01,630 --> 00:22:03,797 extraordinary . So I'd like to ask you 481 00:22:03,797 --> 00:22:06,180 to come back up and share the love with 482 00:22:06,180 --> 00:22:09,010 the adults today . Ladies and gentlemen , 483 00:22:09,010 --> 00:22:10,954 the senior enlisted advisor to the 484 00:22:10,954 --> 00:22:13,066 Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 485 00:22:13,066 --> 00:22:14,954 of the United States of America . 486 00:22:26,140 --> 00:22:28,251 Well , thank you for the warm welcome 487 00:22:28,251 --> 00:22:30,307 and I don't know how I got doomed to 488 00:22:30,307 --> 00:22:33,120 follow debt sector hicks , but I 489 00:22:33,120 --> 00:22:35,176 started by saying this . I mean it's 490 00:22:35,176 --> 00:22:37,453 just got a pretty impressive for S . M . 491 00:22:37,453 --> 00:22:39,287 A . Capped by a PhD in political 492 00:22:39,287 --> 00:22:41,420 science . I don't have one of those , 493 00:22:41,430 --> 00:22:44,250 but I have a black belt and no can do 494 00:22:44,250 --> 00:22:46,306 so . I would like to share that with 495 00:22:46,306 --> 00:22:48,960 you . I'm also honored to be here with 496 00:22:48,960 --> 00:22:51,700 General Hawkinson are our chief of the 497 00:22:51,700 --> 00:22:53,867 National Guard Bureau who is a stellar 498 00:22:53,867 --> 00:22:56,200 officer . And uh , we got to spend some , 499 00:22:56,200 --> 00:22:58,144 some time together in the , in the 500 00:22:58,144 --> 00:23:00,367 current battle spaces . Sir , thank you 501 00:23:00,367 --> 00:23:01,978 so much for being here today 502 00:23:07,340 --> 00:23:10,360 And I just wanted to take 1/2 to just 503 00:23:10,360 --> 00:23:12,260 scan the room one more time 504 00:23:16,640 --> 00:23:20,060 and the reason I'm doing this is 505 00:23:20,440 --> 00:23:23,130 because what is in front of me , what 506 00:23:23,130 --> 00:23:25,241 is in front of every single one of us 507 00:23:25,840 --> 00:23:28,240 are the finest families America has to 508 00:23:28,240 --> 00:23:31,040 offer . There's no division here . 509 00:23:31,050 --> 00:23:34,340 Everybody is united . Everybody has a 510 00:23:34,340 --> 00:23:37,620 common threat and that is sacrifice 511 00:23:38,640 --> 00:23:41,420 and every single one of you still is 512 00:23:41,420 --> 00:23:43,600 willing to give back to those that 513 00:23:43,610 --> 00:23:46,440 follow because we know that sacrifice 514 00:23:46,450 --> 00:23:48,920 is necessary for freedom . So how about 515 00:23:48,920 --> 00:23:51,087 we give each other a round of applause 516 00:23:51,087 --> 00:23:52,531 for each and every one of 517 00:23:52,531 --> 00:23:55,350 you 518 00:23:58,540 --> 00:24:00,700 and I tell you that Janet and I are 519 00:24:00,700 --> 00:24:03,160 really honored to be here because we 520 00:24:03,160 --> 00:24:05,271 share something in common and that is 521 00:24:05,271 --> 00:24:09,240 the lost of someone Janet and I have 522 00:24:09,250 --> 00:24:12,270 lost many friends in the battle . We 523 00:24:12,270 --> 00:24:16,110 have lost friends to suicide . We have 524 00:24:16,110 --> 00:24:19,280 lost parents and we have been in your 525 00:24:19,280 --> 00:24:22,470 shoes . So we clearly walk in the 526 00:24:22,470 --> 00:24:26,090 shoes that you wear today . But in the 527 00:24:26,090 --> 00:24:28,312 military we often call ourselves a band 528 00:24:28,312 --> 00:24:31,730 of brothers and sisters . And the 529 00:24:31,730 --> 00:24:34,580 reason we do that it's because we take 530 00:24:34,580 --> 00:24:37,610 care of one another And were there to 531 00:24:37,610 --> 00:24:41,410 go forth into harm's way to preserve 532 00:24:41,410 --> 00:24:44,170 this nation's treasure . And that is 533 00:24:44,170 --> 00:24:47,910 our freedom . The 534 00:24:47,910 --> 00:24:51,410 company here today are those 535 00:24:51,410 --> 00:24:53,930 related to those brave souls have 536 00:24:53,930 --> 00:24:55,780 decided to go ahead and pay the 537 00:24:55,780 --> 00:24:56,800 ultimate price . 538 00:24:59,840 --> 00:25:01,840 And that is not exclusive to combat 539 00:25:03,540 --> 00:25:05,596 because in order to pay that price , 540 00:25:05,596 --> 00:25:07,651 you only have to do one thing and he 541 00:25:07,651 --> 00:25:10,890 served the nation . And that is our 542 00:25:10,890 --> 00:25:11,670 common bond . 543 00:25:16,040 --> 00:25:18,096 Ever since I became a vampire rescue 544 00:25:18,096 --> 00:25:21,790 man , I've always lived my life by one 545 00:25:21,790 --> 00:25:25,310 model and one model only . And that is 546 00:25:25,310 --> 00:25:28,950 like I can have , I can have body said . 547 00:25:29,340 --> 00:25:31,507 But that model is that others may live 548 00:25:32,940 --> 00:25:35,162 and every single one of these young men 549 00:25:35,162 --> 00:25:37,273 and soon to be women here in the near 550 00:25:37,273 --> 00:25:39,384 future know exactly what that means . 551 00:25:39,640 --> 00:25:42,090 And that is to give people the second 552 00:25:42,090 --> 00:25:45,270 chance . And the effect of that model 553 00:25:45,270 --> 00:25:49,150 is nothing more That leave no one 554 00:25:49,150 --> 00:25:52,810 behind and today is no difference 555 00:25:52,820 --> 00:25:54,870 because we're here for each other . 556 00:25:54,880 --> 00:25:58,070 Make sure that we carry on with life as 557 00:25:58,070 --> 00:26:01,490 it is for every single one of us . So 558 00:26:01,490 --> 00:26:03,720 when I talk about being here today , I 559 00:26:03,720 --> 00:26:05,942 don't consider myself against speaker . 560 00:26:06,440 --> 00:26:08,820 I am a common person . We have a lot in 561 00:26:08,820 --> 00:26:12,460 common and I'm talking about the pain , 562 00:26:13,340 --> 00:26:17,170 the grief , the anguish , the anger 563 00:26:19,240 --> 00:26:21,900 and that shift in inner peace that can 564 00:26:21,900 --> 00:26:24,960 flip in a nanosecond from happy to sad . 565 00:26:26,940 --> 00:26:30,450 I'm here to reassure you that together 566 00:26:31,340 --> 00:26:33,530 by learning from each other , we can 567 00:26:33,530 --> 00:26:37,340 find a way to happiness in all of our 568 00:26:37,340 --> 00:26:39,810 suffering in every single period of 569 00:26:39,820 --> 00:26:43,710 darkness somewhere there's going to 570 00:26:43,710 --> 00:26:47,600 be like awaiting us . But that 571 00:26:47,600 --> 00:26:50,280 all depends on the path with decide to 572 00:26:50,290 --> 00:26:53,960 choose . And in order to keep 573 00:26:53,960 --> 00:26:57,130 the memories of those alive , those 574 00:26:57,130 --> 00:27:00,280 that we lost . We must seek happiness , 575 00:27:00,290 --> 00:27:03,430 pride and purpose to be that guiding 576 00:27:03,430 --> 00:27:05,860 campus that will carry us forward . 577 00:27:07,940 --> 00:27:10,930 And I'll tell you nor my friends , some 578 00:27:10,930 --> 00:27:14,090 which the parents are here today . They 579 00:27:14,090 --> 00:27:16,201 wouldn't want me to be sad because we 580 00:27:16,201 --> 00:27:19,940 lost them . My parents wouldn't want me 581 00:27:19,940 --> 00:27:22,770 to be angry because they are gone . 582 00:27:23,940 --> 00:27:25,940 Instead , I will guarantee you that 583 00:27:25,940 --> 00:27:28,420 every single one of them as they look 584 00:27:28,420 --> 00:27:31,900 down on us , we want us to be happy to 585 00:27:31,900 --> 00:27:34,380 make something worthy of our lives so 586 00:27:34,380 --> 00:27:36,436 that they can continue to swell with 587 00:27:36,436 --> 00:27:38,620 pride like they did when they were 588 00:27:38,620 --> 00:27:42,110 amongst us and that is really the gift 589 00:27:42,110 --> 00:27:44,166 that we can give every single one of 590 00:27:44,166 --> 00:27:46,450 them with every breathing moment that 591 00:27:46,450 --> 00:27:49,060 we have . Like it was said before , 592 00:27:49,070 --> 00:27:52,940 this life is temporary . But to 593 00:27:52,940 --> 00:27:54,996 say that that will be , it will be a 594 00:27:54,996 --> 00:27:57,740 farce . It will be a pipe dream is 595 00:27:57,740 --> 00:27:59,907 going to take a lot of work . But most 596 00:27:59,907 --> 00:28:01,851 importantly , the gift that you're 597 00:28:01,851 --> 00:28:03,962 getting here today is that supporting 598 00:28:03,962 --> 00:28:06,970 network that can get you to a place 599 00:28:07,070 --> 00:28:10,290 where you can drive . That is where 600 00:28:10,290 --> 00:28:13,120 taps comes in to serve as our 601 00:28:13,120 --> 00:28:14,960 appointment in this formation . 602 00:28:17,540 --> 00:28:21,050 The gator perhaps as a place , whatever 603 00:28:21,050 --> 00:28:22,883 every single one of us belongs , 604 00:28:23,340 --> 00:28:25,630 parents , siblings , Children , 605 00:28:25,640 --> 00:28:29,050 volunteers , staff members . Because we 606 00:28:29,050 --> 00:28:32,370 have all served as stated before and to 607 00:28:32,370 --> 00:28:34,990 all the volunteers and mentors . I have 608 00:28:34,990 --> 00:28:37,460 to thank them Janet and I want to thank 609 00:28:37,460 --> 00:28:39,900 you from the bottom of our hearts for 610 00:28:39,900 --> 00:28:42,011 everything that you're doing . So how 611 00:28:42,011 --> 00:28:44,178 about we give them a round of applause 612 00:28:51,440 --> 00:28:53,560 And then lastly , as your four senior 613 00:28:53,560 --> 00:28:55,727 enlisted advisor to the chairman and a 614 00:28:55,727 --> 00:28:59,390 former para rescue man . I promise 615 00:28:59,390 --> 00:29:03,210 you each day that I'm in duty and post 616 00:29:03,210 --> 00:29:06,290 military life that I will not leave 617 00:29:06,300 --> 00:29:09,380 anyone of you behind . Any generation 618 00:29:09,380 --> 00:29:11,491 that comes behind you that is related 619 00:29:11,491 --> 00:29:13,713 to us because of the blood and treasure 620 00:29:13,713 --> 00:29:15,936 that has been paid for . The sacrifices 621 00:29:15,936 --> 00:29:18,158 of freedom will always be in my heart . 622 00:29:19,240 --> 00:29:21,351 We'll continue to support the efforts 623 00:29:21,351 --> 00:29:23,129 of every organization that does 624 00:29:23,129 --> 00:29:25,351 something similar to what taps is doing 625 00:29:25,640 --> 00:29:27,751 because it's a noble thing to do . It 626 00:29:27,751 --> 00:29:30,190 is continuing care for those that have 627 00:29:30,200 --> 00:29:34,170 given all . If we do that , 628 00:29:35,040 --> 00:29:38,200 we will be better and we will be strong . 629 00:29:38,430 --> 00:29:40,652 And that is not a cliche , that is just 630 00:29:40,652 --> 00:29:44,500 a fact Janet and I love you , even 631 00:29:44,500 --> 00:29:46,556 though we haven't personally met you 632 00:29:47,440 --> 00:29:49,551 and that law comes from the knowledge 633 00:29:49,551 --> 00:29:51,384 of your sacrifice , which is the 634 00:29:51,384 --> 00:29:54,160 foundation of military service Bonnie . 635 00:29:54,640 --> 00:29:56,696 We love you too , my friend . And we 636 00:29:56,696 --> 00:29:58,807 look forward to continued partnership 637 00:29:58,807 --> 00:30:00,751 to continue to care for this great 638 00:30:00,751 --> 00:30:02,973 group of americans , which is you . The 639 00:30:02,973 --> 00:30:05,140 military family thank you and make the 640 00:30:05,140 --> 00:30:07,370 best of this program and forged bonds 641 00:30:07,370 --> 00:30:10,300 and french is for life that others may 642 00:30:10,300 --> 00:30:12,980 leave . Love you all and thank you for 643 00:30:12,980 --> 00:30:13,980 being here 644 00:30:13,980 --> 00:30:17,670 today .