Homeland Security

One of the things I enjoy most about what I do is the chance to meet with the military family.

As we approach Memorial Day, I am reminded of our soldiers’ 237-year history of fortitude and resolve to meet the needs of the nation. American soldiers have always answered the call to duty, despite challenge, sacrifice and hardship. I have no doubt that they will continue this tradition of excellence, empowered by their professional ethos and the support of a grateful nation.

Though the U.S. Navy is made up of ships, submarines and aircraft, its true strength lies in the skill and dedication of its people. As the chief of naval operations, it is my honor to lead the 625,000 active and reserve sailors and civilians who propel the Navy forward and protect our nation’s security and prosperity. As we prepare to mark this Memorial Day, it is a privilege to recognize the service and sacrifices of your American sailors and their families.

As we commemorate Memorial Day this year, it is fitting to remember our fallen, their families and their comrades-in-arms. Joining the ranks of previous generations of Americans who gave the last full measure of devotion are the 6,400 Americans who have fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan. Unique among our nation’s long conflicts, this generation’s service in war has been completely voluntary. Sent into harm’s way in the name of us all, these brave young Americans, and the hundreds of thousands of servicemen and women who served alongside them, have defeated tyrants, captured terrorists and fought against extremists seeking to impose their hateful designs on innocent populations. Our sons, our daughters, our sisters and brothers — these heroes number among the best of a generation. Those who answered the call understood that freedom and security for all Americans depends on the willingness of the few to defend the interests of the many.  

As one of the five Armed Services, the Coast Guard has proudly stood the watch for more than 221 years, even during the early years of our nation, when there was no Navy to defend the seas. Few know that the Coast Guard is the only service awarded the battle streamer for Maritime Protection of the New Republic, a distinction we earned protecting our new nation from 1790 to 1797 after the Continental Navy had been disbanded.

On Feb.18, some six miles away from Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport in the Horn of Africa, the lives of four American airmen were cut short abruptly. Capt. Ryan P. Hall, Capt. Nicholas S. Whitlock, 1st Lt. Justin J. Wilkens and Senior Airman Julian S. Scholten were returning from a surveillance and reconnaissance mission in support of Operation Enduring Freedom when their single-engine U-28A aircraft suddenly crashed. None of the four aircrew members survived.

Six hundred ninety-three: That’s how many brave, selfless National Guardsmen and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan since 9/11 to ensure others a chance to enjoy freedom. 

Over the past few years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to spend time with our veterans, troops and military families. With every visit, I come away inspired. 

This past August, I attended the funeral of Brian Bill — a Stamford, Conn., native and Navy SEAL who perished along with 29 other American service members and eight Afghans when their Chinook helicopter was shot down during a rescue mission in eastern Afghanistan.

It was less than a year ago when our community of Colville, Wash., came together to bury a 28-year-old boy who lost his life in the name of American freedom. As a medic with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group in Operation Enduring Freedom, Staff Sgt. Wyatt A. Goldsmith was treating an Afghan commando when insurgents attacked his unit with a grenade. He lost his life in an effort to save someone else’s. He was a Green Beret soldier, serving his third overseas deployment, and was the recipient of three Purple Hearts. He was a devoted teammate, a loyal brother and the son of a mom and dad who got the phone call they hoped they never would.