Team Infidel
Forum Spin Doctor
Dallas Morning News
October 27, 2007 Defense secretary urges students to be part of public life
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Secretary of Defense Robert Gates returned Friday to Texas A&M University, where he served as president for four years, to accept the 2007 George Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service.
"I can't tell you how wonderful it is to be back in Aggieland," said Dr. Gates, who used his speech to call on young people to reject apathy "or else the decisions that affect your life and the future of our country will be made for you and without you," he said. "So, as we approach the 2008 campaign, get involved. Vote.
And, he told the crowd at Reed Arena, "Consider devoting at least a part of your life to public service."
Dr. Gates, who has served under seven presidents, was chosen for the award for his work as defense secretary and director of the CIA, where he served under former President George Bush.
"Bob Gates is a man of exceptional skill, total integrity and the kind of leader you can rely on to do the right thing when it matters the most," Mr. Bush said.
Dr. Gates greeted the audience of 3,000 with a boisterous "Howdy!" and was met with whoops, cheers and a standing ovation, making the award ceremony seem more like a homecoming celebration.
He was sworn in as the 22nd secretary of defense in December, replacing Donald Rumsfeld, who resigned in November 2006.
Before that, he served as president of Texas A&M from August 2002 to December 2006, and as interim dean of A&M's George Bush School of Government and Public Service from 1999 to 2001.
From 1991 to 1993, Dr. Gates served as director of the CIA under Mr. Bush, and as the agency's deputy director from 1986 until 1989. He was also assistant to the president and deputy national security adviser at the White House from January 1989 to November 1991.
Dr. Gates is the only person to rise from an entry-level position at the CIA to director of the agency.
In the past, the Bush award has gone to evangelist Billy Graham, former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Associated Press
October 27, 2007 Defense secretary urges students to be part of public life
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Secretary of Defense Robert Gates returned Friday to Texas A&M University, where he served as president for four years, to accept the 2007 George Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service.
"I can't tell you how wonderful it is to be back in Aggieland," said Dr. Gates, who used his speech to call on young people to reject apathy "or else the decisions that affect your life and the future of our country will be made for you and without you," he said. "So, as we approach the 2008 campaign, get involved. Vote.
And, he told the crowd at Reed Arena, "Consider devoting at least a part of your life to public service."
Dr. Gates, who has served under seven presidents, was chosen for the award for his work as defense secretary and director of the CIA, where he served under former President George Bush.
"Bob Gates is a man of exceptional skill, total integrity and the kind of leader you can rely on to do the right thing when it matters the most," Mr. Bush said.
Dr. Gates greeted the audience of 3,000 with a boisterous "Howdy!" and was met with whoops, cheers and a standing ovation, making the award ceremony seem more like a homecoming celebration.
He was sworn in as the 22nd secretary of defense in December, replacing Donald Rumsfeld, who resigned in November 2006.
Before that, he served as president of Texas A&M from August 2002 to December 2006, and as interim dean of A&M's George Bush School of Government and Public Service from 1999 to 2001.
From 1991 to 1993, Dr. Gates served as director of the CIA under Mr. Bush, and as the agency's deputy director from 1986 until 1989. He was also assistant to the president and deputy national security adviser at the White House from January 1989 to November 1991.
Dr. Gates is the only person to rise from an entry-level position at the CIA to director of the agency.
In the past, the Bush award has gone to evangelist Billy Graham, former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Associated Press