In this event, which was hosted by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General CQ Brown at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, there was a moving Armed Forces Farewell Tribute honoring Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III after his distinguished 45-year military and public service career.
Reflecting on the long path he traveled, Austin mentioned going from being a second lieutenant when he graduated from West Point in 1975 to the echelon of four-star general and afterward to become the first African American Secretary of Defense. “This business is not just about platforms and procurement; it’s about you,” the Secretary told service members and their families.
He addressed some of the biggest challenges of his tenure, such as countering the Chinese Communist Party, rallying international support for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, and managing Middle East tensions, including preventing the Hamas-Israel conflict from escalating. He also worked on improving pay and working conditions for service members.
Austin shared a lifetime lesson he learned from his very first platoon sergeant: care for his people. “That has always been my North Star,” he pointed out. He focused on the U.S. military’s principles and people as a basis, then exclaimed, “Every military defends a country, but the United States military also defends a Constitution.”
Proud of the commitment and sacrifice of the military, Austin acknowledged the burden borne by service members and their families. He honored fallen soldiers and pledged to carry their memory forward.
As Austin transitions out of his role, his legacy stands as a testament to leadership defined by humility, vision, and a steadfast commitment to America’s values.
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