Mark Takano actually said...

"I don't understand where he's not here."

"I am befuddled as to why an IT debacle--you send the project managers but you don't send the person for whom the major responsibilities whose shoulder lies."

"I think it's embarrassing that--for you to ask after all that we've given you, but what do we need to do?"

"the Sergeant Major brought the credibility of his military service and was an important voice in the debate to overturn the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy."