盖茨在美国空军学院的演讲辞.docVIP

盖茨在美国空军学院的演讲辞 Thank you for that introduction. It’s a pleasure to be back at the Air Force Academy for my first visit since 2007, when I spoke at commencement. And I’m particularly happy to be in Colorado Springs, but then I am happy to be anywhere other than Washington, D.C. I should begin by congratulating the Class of 2013 for making it through “Recognition” and earning your props and wings. Its a great achievement and one you should be proud of. I hope you’ve had a chance to get some well-earned freedom. I certainly did not go through anything nearly as rigorous when I was commissioned as an Air Force officer 43 years ago. I have to admit now, though, four decades plus removed from Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, I’m a little surprised that they even let me out. Now, in a normal speech, I would thank you all for coming, but I know full well that this event is not exactly optional – so, my apologies -- and I’ll be content with thanking you for just staying awake after lunch, or at least trying to, with the schedule that you all have here. Now, of course, falling asleep in a lecture or a class here is one thing. Falling asleep in a meeting with the president of the United States is another. But it happens. I was in one Cabinet meeting with President Reagan where the president and six members of the Cabinet all fell asleep. But it was the first President Bush who created an honor to award the American official who most ostentatiously fell asleep in a meeting with the president. He was not frivolous about this. The president evaluated candidates on three criteria – first, duration – how long did they sleep? Second, the depth of the sleep; snoring always got you extra points. And third, the quality of recovery – did one just quietly open ones eyes and return to the meeting, or did they just jolt awake – and maybe spill something hot in the process? The President named the award after Air Force Lieutenant General Brent Scowcroft, who was t