Before the United States Air Force Academy’s class of 2016 Thursday, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James gave an odd commencement address. Instead of dispensing advice or wisdom, James’s speech was a fawning tribute to President Obama and his administration.
James cited the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the ending of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”, and “modernizing our Veterans Affairs system” as examples of Obama’s achievements the newly commissioned officers should consider. She frequently told the graduates to “follow the president’s lead” and made only vague references to the graduates’ achievements at the academy or their future service in the Air Force.
What made the speech even more surreal was that Obama was present and later addressed the graduates. Perhaps the speech was James’s apology for going off-message and suggesting that the president’s air-only strategy against ISIS needed “to have ground forces” as well.
Read a transcript and watch the video below:
Thank you so much General Johnson and Mr. President, General Welsh, Governor Hickenlooper, distinguished ladies and gentleman, the faculty community leaders who are with us today. And most importantly to the mighty, mighty class of 2016. I can’t hear you! [Cheers] That’s more like it. Isn’t that cool Mr. President, when they do that? I love that part. As your other speakers have said, I too could not have imagined a more beautiful day to be sitting at the base, the Rockies, celebrating four years of hard work and rigorous training, and looking forward to what our graduates will add to our service in the years ahead. And we’re so honored today to be joined by our Commander in Chief, President Barack Obama, and in just a few short moments I’m going to yield the podium to him But first I just have a few things to say and I’m now going to direct myself now to the class of 2016 [gestures] All right! Now let’s rewind if you will with me. Four years ago, when you were sitting on the front third of your chair and hoping not to get asked Schofield’s quote. Now, one of the main reasons that you were able to make it through basic cadet training was teamwork, I think you would agree with me, teamwork. Teamwork is essential. And when it comes to teamwork, our president is second to none. During his time in office, the president has unified our allies and partners across the globe, and he’s done so here at home as well. From negotiating a landmark climate change accord, to the Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal, to passage of the Affordable Care Act, to putting millions of people in this country back to work, and championing same-sex marriage, the president has led with strength and conviction. And as you graduate, I charge all of you to follow the president’s lead. Because the Air Force that you will lead is much more diverse and inclusive than when you started four years ago. And therefore you too must build and celebrate diverse and inclusive teams. You must foster an environment of integrity and dignity and respect for all and allow your teams to flourish in a culture free from sexual assault and harassment of any kind. Now moving to three years ago, you were engrossed in summer activities. You were soaring, you were trying to survive. And at least trying to do a little bit of sleeping. I’m not sure you got much of that in, but I know you were trying. That same summer President Obama and Mrs. Obama led the way for improvements in veterans’ services. From streamlining professional credentialing, to the post-9/11 G.I. bill, to Joining Forces, which is an important program to encourage American companies to hire our veterans and our military family members. And modernizing our Veterans Affairs system, the President and First Lady believe that all who serve should receive top-notch benefits and world class care. And as you graduate, I charge all of you to follow the president’s lead. You must take care of your fellow airmen, both past and present, and never ever leave behind a fallen airman. Two years ago you were taking part in Operation Air Force, you were working beast, and you were making that awful trek from the lower two-dig parking lot. Well, at this same time, President Obama launched his strategy to degrade and it will ultimately destroy ISIL. Under the president’s leadership, the U.S. and our coalition partners have regained control of key areas in Iraq and Syria. And be proud, be proud of your Air Force, because your Air Force of the United States has led the way in this coalition fight. And ISIL now controls about 30% less territory than it did two years ago. So as you graduate, I charge you to follow the president’s lead, to become experts in your mission, because the president, this one and future presidents, will call upon you and our nation and our allies to defend our liberties and safeguard the world. One year ago, as you entered your senior year and started counting down the days to graduation, President Obama was guiding America to the stark agreement with Iran, and five other world powers. And this agreement of course blocks Iran’s path, four pathways to a nuclear weapon, which ultimately is going to create a more stable world. As you graduate, today I charge you to follow the president’s lead. Have the courage, the courage to make the tough calls in the face of criticism. And never ever give up. And I can promise you that critics abound; but true leaders are few. Which brings me full circle and back to today. Today, you are surrounded by your classmates: your brothers and your sisters in arms. Today, you are also surrounded by your parents your family, your loved ones, who have supported you throughout your entire time here and will continue to support your continued service as officers in the greatest Air Force in the world. As Commander-in-Chief, our president has made taking care of our military families top priority, so has our Secretary of Defense, so has General Welsh made it a top priority. And for me, it’s been my number one priority since the day I began the job. But please join me now in celebrating and giving a round of applause to the people who are in the stands today. Your family and friends and loved ones who are most responsible for bringing you to where you are today. When you graduate, rest assured you will have the necessary equipment and training to execute the types of missions that we will ask of you, for whether it’s fighting global terrorism, or leading a nuclear missile crew, or delivering humanitarian aid when disaster strikes somewhere around the globe. We are going to take care of you and your families so that you, in turn, can take care of all of us. And believe me you have big challenges on the horizon. Not only combating violent extremist organizations like ISIL, but you will also face the situation in the South China Sea, a resurgent Russia, on-going dangers form Iran, form North Korea. But, here we are, class of 2016. Soon, you are going to be confronting these challenges head-on, and you will be entrusted to carry out the nation’s will with out most, most precious resources. And that’s not equipment, that’s America’s sons and daughters, and I have no doubt, I have no doubt that you are ready. And as you graduate you must lead. So aim high airmen, aim high. And now it is my distinct honor and privilege to welcome our commander-in-chief, the President of the United States, President Barack Obama.
