WEBVTT 00:04.960 --> 00:10.920 In the coming days, I'll complete over four decades of active service in my tenure as the Chairman. 00:11.000 --> 00:13.200 Before taking off my uniform for the last time, 00:13.340 --> 00:17.580 I wanted to tell you what an honor it has been to serve alongside you and to represent you 00:17.580 --> 00:19.960 here, in Washington D.C., and across the globe. 00:19.960 --> 00:22.500 More importantly, I wanted to take 00:22.600 --> 00:26.110 a minute to simply thank you for who you are and what you do. 00:26.110 --> 00:33.480 Those of you in uniform: Active, Guard, and Reserve represent less than 1% of the American people. 00:33.480 --> 00:36.840 And you've answered the call to serve our nation during a time of war. 00:37.080 --> 00:39.120 You chose to challenge yourself to 00:39.130 --> 00:43.320 excellence and to be a part of something greater than yourself. 00:43.400 --> 00:45.840 You chose to make a difference. 00:46.760 --> 00:50.340 Across the globe, you stand watch on sea, air, and land 00:50.420 --> 00:57.160 as we simultaneously tackle the challenges associated with Russia, China, Iran, North Korea 00:57.400 --> 00:58.980 and violent extremism. 00:58.980 --> 01:02.940 And you are driving change to deal with the challenges of the 21st century 01:03.100 --> 01:06.300 to include those in space and cyberspace. 01:06.580 --> 01:11.040 Like your predecessors, you're ordinary men and women who hail from across the 50 01:11.040 --> 01:15.260 states and U.S. territories but you routinely demonstrate 01:15.560 --> 01:21.140 extraordinary courage, honor, commitment, loyalty and self-sacrifice. 01:21.140 --> 01:22.620 It's because of you that 01:22.620 --> 01:25.740 I'm confident that we can defend the homeland and our way of life. 01:26.080 --> 01:29.420 It's because of you that we have earned the trust and confidence 01:29.580 --> 01:31.960 of allies and partners around the world. 01:31.960 --> 01:34.200 It's because of you that people believe in America. 01:35.240 --> 01:39.620 Over the past four years, I've spoken a lot about the need for our nation to maintain 01:39.900 --> 01:43.300 a competitive advantage over any potential adversary. 01:43.900 --> 01:45.300 You are our most important 01:45.460 --> 01:46.740 competitive advantage. 01:46.740 --> 01:49.720 And any adversary would think twice about committing an 01:49.840 --> 01:51.860 act of aggression because of you. 01:52.840 --> 01:54.140 And all of these words apply equally to our 01:54.180 --> 01:55.860 great civil servants 01:55.860 --> 01:57.860 who are an integral part of the team. 01:58.520 --> 01:59.580 I'd also like to take a 01:59.580 --> 02:01.700 minute to recognize our families. 02:01.700 --> 02:03.840 My wife, Ellen, and I know the unique challenges 02:03.920 --> 02:06.680 and sacrifices of military families. 02:06.680 --> 02:08.840 But we also know that the U.S. military is 02:09.060 --> 02:13.359 strong because of our foundation and our foundation is our families. 02:13.359 --> 02:17.799 One of the most rewarding experiences of the last four years has been meeting 02:17.800 --> 02:20.200 with military families across the force. 02:20.500 --> 02:22.940 Thank you for welcoming us into your homes. 02:22.940 --> 02:25.680 Thank you for your willingness to sacrifice and support. 02:25.800 --> 02:28.140 And thank you for your resilience. 02:28.720 --> 02:30.140 Let me close by saying that 02:30.240 --> 02:35.100 as I depart active service, I depart with incredible pride and gratitude, 02:35.100 --> 02:36.820 not because I'm a general or the Chairman, 02:36.820 --> 02:39.700 but simply because I've stood in ranks 02:39.880 --> 02:42.760 with the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen 02:43.260 --> 02:44.760 who wear the cloth of our nation. 02:45.740 --> 02:48.760 Please know that I'll remain in proud overwatch following my retirement. 02:49.780 --> 02:52.160 God bless you all and Semper Fidelis.