Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I wish to recognize the tremendous contributions of Dr. Michael G. Vickers, the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence. Secretary Vickers is retiring this month from the Federal Government having served with distinction in two critical leadership positions in the Department of Defense: Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations/Low-Intensity Conflict and Interdependent Capabilities, ASD SO/LIC&IC, from 2007 to 2011, and Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, USD(I), since 2011. His dedicated service has spanned the administrations of both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama. Moreover, he has helped shape national security for three decades. Secretary Vickers is the Department's longest serving USD(I). During his tenure he has led a comprehensive, mission-focused transformation of defense intelligence, and has provided policy and operational oversight for numerous sensitive intelligence and counterterrorism operations. He played a critical policy and planning role in the operation that brought justice to Osama bin Ladin. Of note, we are only days away from the fourth anniversary of that successful operation, which occurred on May 2, 2011. As ASD SO/LIC&IC, Secretary Vickers served as the ``Service'' Secretary for all Special Operations Forces, and as the senior civilian advisor to the Secretary of Defense on all counterterrorism, irregular warfare, and special activities. He played a central role in shaping U.S.…”