1 00:00:00,040 --> 00:00:02,207 Good morning ladies and gentlemen , my 2 00:00:02,207 --> 00:00:04,207 name is Rudy coots and I'll be your 3 00:00:04,207 --> 00:00:06,262 emcee for today's event . Welcome to 4 00:00:06,262 --> 00:00:08,373 the 11th annual Department of Defense 5 00:00:08,373 --> 00:00:10,596 Pride month celebration . Thank you all 6 00:00:10,596 --> 00:00:13,670 for joining us today . Please stand for 7 00:00:13,670 --> 00:00:15,670 the arrival of the official party . 8 00:00:15,670 --> 00:00:17,810 Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen 9 00:00:17,810 --> 00:00:20,710 Hicks , undersecretary of the Air Force 10 00:00:20,720 --> 00:00:23,790 Gina Ortiz jones . Assistant Secretary 11 00:00:23,790 --> 00:00:26,500 of Defense for readiness , Shawn Skelly 12 00:00:26,510 --> 00:00:28,420 and Deputy Chief for acquisition 13 00:00:28,420 --> 00:00:30,870 policies and processes for the U . S . 14 00:00:30,870 --> 00:00:32,926 Space Force Lieutenant Colonel brief 15 00:00:32,926 --> 00:00:34,981 frame please remain standing for the 16 00:00:34,981 --> 00:00:37,148 presentation of colors and the singing 17 00:00:37,148 --> 00:00:38,981 of the national anthem by Master 18 00:00:38,981 --> 00:00:40,780 Sergeant Matthew Heil and the 19 00:00:40,780 --> 00:00:42,669 invocation by chaplain , chaplain 20 00:00:42,669 --> 00:00:43,669 Nathan Solomon . 21 00:01:41,440 --> 00:01:44,650 What what 22 00:01:45,340 --> 00:01:48,420 one ? Cool . 23 00:01:53,540 --> 00:01:57,460 Oh say . Can you see by 24 00:01:57,460 --> 00:02:01,360 the dawn's early light ? What so 25 00:02:01,360 --> 00:02:04,880 proudly we held at the 26 00:02:04,880 --> 00:02:08,360 twilight's last gleaming 27 00:02:08,540 --> 00:02:12,510 whose broad stripes and bright stars 28 00:02:12,510 --> 00:02:16,430 through the perilous fight or 29 00:02:16,430 --> 00:02:20,350 the ramparts we watched were so 30 00:02:20,350 --> 00:02:23,750 gallantly streaming 31 00:02:24,110 --> 00:02:28,020 and the rocket's red leather 32 00:02:28,020 --> 00:02:31,880 bombs bursting in air gave 33 00:02:31,880 --> 00:02:35,580 proof through the night that our 34 00:02:35,580 --> 00:02:39,550 flag was still there . Oh , 35 00:02:39,550 --> 00:02:42,320 say does that star 36 00:02:42,320 --> 00:02:46,110 spangled banner yet 37 00:02:46,110 --> 00:02:50,080 wave or 38 00:02:50,080 --> 00:02:52,960 the Land of the Free 39 00:02:54,760 --> 00:02:58,690 and the home of the 40 00:02:58,700 --> 00:03:02,080 Brave . 41 00:03:08,040 --> 00:03:10,260 No , no sir or 42 00:03:14,840 --> 00:03:15,160 but 43 00:03:37,140 --> 00:03:38,140 mhm . 44 00:03:47,140 --> 00:03:49,140 Please join me in prayer as you are 45 00:03:49,140 --> 00:03:52,460 inclined . Almighty God ! 46 00:03:53,240 --> 00:03:55,900 We are gathered here this morning to 47 00:03:55,900 --> 00:03:59,260 celebrate honor And remember 48 00:04:00,040 --> 00:04:02,750 we give thanks for the freedom won by 49 00:04:02,750 --> 00:04:05,200 hard fighting not only on the 50 00:04:05,200 --> 00:04:08,650 battlefield but in policy shops . The 51 00:04:08,650 --> 00:04:11,640 halls of congress and thousands of 52 00:04:11,640 --> 00:04:13,750 small encounters that will never 53 00:04:13,750 --> 00:04:16,560 receive the recognition they deserve 54 00:04:17,540 --> 00:04:19,700 For it was through the bravery of 55 00:04:19,710 --> 00:04:23,310 individuals . one x 1 x 56 00:04:23,310 --> 00:04:27,100 one . That progress was made . The 57 00:04:27,100 --> 00:04:30,120 names of Leonard Malevich and harvey 58 00:04:30,120 --> 00:04:32,980 milk are familiar to us , but they 59 00:04:32,990 --> 00:04:35,500 represent only the most visible part of 60 00:04:35,500 --> 00:04:38,580 a legacy of courageous service that 61 00:04:38,580 --> 00:04:40,469 stretches all the way back to the 62 00:04:40,469 --> 00:04:43,640 revolution , from the Fields of 63 00:04:43,640 --> 00:04:46,760 Gettysburg to Belleau Wood to leyte 64 00:04:46,760 --> 00:04:50,530 gulf , Normandy and Fallujah . There is 65 00:04:50,530 --> 00:04:54,170 no discrimination in valor . Therefore 66 00:04:54,170 --> 00:04:55,948 it is right and fitting that we 67 00:04:55,948 --> 00:04:59,380 celebrate the free and open service of 68 00:04:59,380 --> 00:05:01,390 all those who defend this nation . 69 00:05:02,340 --> 00:05:05,500 While September 20 , 2011 and 70 00:05:05,500 --> 00:05:09,140 January 26 , 2021 our marquee 71 00:05:09,140 --> 00:05:12,440 dates in the Freedom of LGBT soldiers , 72 00:05:12,550 --> 00:05:15,760 sailors , airmen , marines and coast 73 00:05:15,760 --> 00:05:18,550 guardsmen to serve our nation openly . 74 00:05:19,040 --> 00:05:21,370 They are only milestones on the long 75 00:05:21,370 --> 00:05:24,430 press towards freedom for which so many 76 00:05:24,440 --> 00:05:26,060 have given so much 77 00:05:28,340 --> 00:05:30,173 you have taught us from the very 78 00:05:30,173 --> 00:05:32,173 beginning that every human being is 79 00:05:32,173 --> 00:05:34,173 created in your image and bears the 80 00:05:34,173 --> 00:05:36,560 stamp of the Divine . But the effort to 81 00:05:36,560 --> 00:05:39,660 make that true in practice rolls on as 82 00:05:39,660 --> 00:05:41,771 we celebrate and honor the service of 83 00:05:42,370 --> 00:05:44,820 gay bisexual and transgendered 84 00:05:44,820 --> 00:05:47,670 personnel today strengthen our 85 00:05:47,670 --> 00:05:50,990 commitment to those ideas so that we 86 00:05:50,990 --> 00:05:53,810 might fully realize the dream of a land 87 00:05:53,810 --> 00:05:56,980 of the free and a home of the brave in 88 00:05:56,980 --> 00:05:58,202 your name . We pray , 89 00:06:06,940 --> 00:06:07,996 please be seated . 90 00:06:12,540 --> 00:06:14,318 Please join me in giving Master 91 00:06:14,318 --> 00:06:16,429 Sergeant Heil and Pershing Zone brass 92 00:06:16,429 --> 00:06:18,540 quintet a round of applause for their 93 00:06:18,540 --> 00:06:20,760 pre event music and that rousing 94 00:06:20,770 --> 00:06:21,770 national anthem , 95 00:06:29,640 --> 00:06:31,807 chaplain . Solomon . Thank you so much 96 00:06:31,807 --> 00:06:33,973 for being here today . Those assembled 97 00:06:33,973 --> 00:06:35,807 can surely take comfort and draw 98 00:06:35,807 --> 00:06:38,029 strength from your affirming message to 99 00:06:38,029 --> 00:06:40,820 us all today . Thank you as the Chair 100 00:06:40,820 --> 00:06:42,764 of D . O . D . Pride . I'd like to 101 00:06:42,764 --> 00:06:44,876 welcome everyone here in the pentagon 102 00:06:44,876 --> 00:06:47,098 auditorium and those who are joining us 103 00:06:47,098 --> 00:06:49,264 virtually today . D . O . D . Pride is 104 00:06:49,264 --> 00:06:51,042 comprised of , gay , bisexual , 105 00:06:51,042 --> 00:06:52,931 transgender and queer civilians . 106 00:06:52,931 --> 00:06:55,098 Service members , contractors , family 107 00:06:55,098 --> 00:06:57,431 members and allies of the L . G . B . T . 108 00:06:57,431 --> 00:07:00,900 Q . Plus community . We're still under 109 00:07:00,900 --> 00:07:03,122 covid restrictions here in the pentagon 110 00:07:03,122 --> 00:07:05,289 but we're so thankful that we can have 111 00:07:05,289 --> 00:07:07,456 a small audience here in a much larger 112 00:07:07,456 --> 00:07:09,610 audience online As we celebrate Pride 113 00:07:09,610 --> 00:07:12,490 Month , Our theme for today's ceremony 114 00:07:12,490 --> 00:07:14,630 is all together . This event is an 115 00:07:14,630 --> 00:07:16,797 opportunity for the entire D . O . D . 116 00:07:16,797 --> 00:07:18,519 Community to come together and 117 00:07:18,519 --> 00:07:20,352 celebrate the great diversity of 118 00:07:20,352 --> 00:07:22,186 american people and the enormous 119 00:07:22,186 --> 00:07:24,241 contributions that L . G . B . T . Q 120 00:07:24,241 --> 00:07:26,241 plus civilians and military members 121 00:07:26,241 --> 00:07:28,408 serving around the world in defense of 122 00:07:28,408 --> 00:07:30,990 this great nation uh make every day uh 123 00:07:31,000 --> 00:07:33,111 and all that we accomplished together 124 00:07:33,440 --> 00:07:35,551 in addition to our four speakers that 125 00:07:35,551 --> 00:07:37,496 we have today , I'd like to take a 126 00:07:37,496 --> 00:07:39,051 moment to welcome the other 127 00:07:39,051 --> 00:07:41,107 distinguished guests who are present 128 00:07:41,107 --> 00:07:43,107 with us including Miss Karen pierce 129 00:07:43,107 --> 00:07:45,329 british ambassador to the United States 130 00:07:45,840 --> 00:07:48,380 Representative Mark Takano , the 131 00:07:48,380 --> 00:07:50,670 honorable Carlos del Toro , Secretary 132 00:07:50,670 --> 00:07:53,100 of the Navy General Charles Brown , 133 00:07:53,110 --> 00:07:55,570 Chief of Staff of the Air Force . Miss 134 00:07:55,570 --> 00:07:57,500 Susanna Blume . Director of cost 135 00:07:57,500 --> 00:07:59,500 assessment and program evaluation , 136 00:07:59,740 --> 00:08:01,780 Lieutenant General Nina romano . 137 00:08:01,790 --> 00:08:04,150 Director of staff U . S . Space Force 138 00:08:04,540 --> 00:08:06,890 Major General Leo Lauterbach , Director 139 00:08:06,890 --> 00:08:08,834 of intelligence , surveillance and 140 00:08:08,834 --> 00:08:11,210 reconnaissance , US Space Force . Rear 141 00:08:11,210 --> 00:08:13,377 Admiral Scott Brown , Deputy Commander 142 00:08:13,377 --> 00:08:15,099 of logistics , maintenance and 143 00:08:15,099 --> 00:08:17,321 industrial operations for the Naval sea 144 00:08:17,321 --> 00:08:19,321 Systems Command Major General David 145 00:08:19,321 --> 00:08:21,321 Bligh . Staff Judge advocate to the 146 00:08:21,321 --> 00:08:23,520 commandant of the Marine Corps . Mr 147 00:08:23,520 --> 00:08:25,242 frank cal Veli . The Assistant 148 00:08:25,242 --> 00:08:27,298 Secretary of the Air Force for Space 149 00:08:27,298 --> 00:08:29,870 Acquisition and Integration . Mr Gautam 150 00:08:29,870 --> 00:08:32,440 Raghavan , Assistant to the President 151 00:08:32,450 --> 00:08:34,617 and director of the White House Office 152 00:08:34,617 --> 00:08:36,561 of Presidential Personnel Policy . 153 00:08:36,561 --> 00:08:38,728 Special assistant to the President for 154 00:08:38,728 --> 00:08:40,950 National Security . Mr Ruben Gonzalez . 155 00:08:40,950 --> 00:08:43,117 Special assistant to the President for 156 00:08:43,117 --> 00:08:45,450 Domestic Agency policy . Mr Jeff . Ma 157 00:08:45,450 --> 00:08:48,320 routine routine and special assistant 158 00:08:48,320 --> 00:08:50,220 to the President for Climate . A 159 00:08:50,230 --> 00:08:52,397 special Assistant to the President for 160 00:08:52,397 --> 00:08:55,030 Climate and science personnel . Thank 161 00:08:55,030 --> 00:08:56,419 you all for being here . 162 00:09:02,540 --> 00:09:04,707 I also want to welcome all the service 163 00:09:04,707 --> 00:09:06,762 members and department personnel who 164 00:09:06,762 --> 00:09:08,929 are here with us today in the pentagon 165 00:09:08,929 --> 00:09:11,151 and also joining us online , you're all 166 00:09:11,151 --> 00:09:13,484 here to show your support for L . G . B . 167 00:09:13,484 --> 00:09:15,596 T . Q . Soldiers , sailors , airmen , 168 00:09:15,596 --> 00:09:17,484 marines , guardians , D . O . D . 169 00:09:17,484 --> 00:09:19,540 Civilians and their families make no 170 00:09:19,540 --> 00:09:21,596 mistake . Your presence is extremely 171 00:09:21,596 --> 00:09:23,429 important . It demonstrates your 172 00:09:23,429 --> 00:09:25,651 commitment to what we know is true that 173 00:09:25,651 --> 00:09:27,707 we are all stronger and more capable 174 00:09:27,707 --> 00:09:29,873 when we are all together no matter our 175 00:09:29,873 --> 00:09:32,096 race , color creed , sexual orientation 176 00:09:32,096 --> 00:09:34,300 or gender identity . So thank you each 177 00:09:34,300 --> 00:09:36,300 and every one of you for being here 178 00:09:36,300 --> 00:09:38,650 today . With that it's my great 179 00:09:38,650 --> 00:09:40,539 pleasure to introduce . Our first 180 00:09:40,539 --> 00:09:42,539 speaker for the day , the Assistant 181 00:09:42,539 --> 00:09:44,594 Secretary of Defense for readiness . 182 00:09:44,594 --> 00:09:46,817 The honorable Shawn Skelly . Misskelley 183 00:09:46,817 --> 00:09:48,594 is the principal advisor to the 184 00:09:48,594 --> 00:09:50,817 Secretary of Defense and undersecretary 185 00:09:50,817 --> 00:09:52,983 of Defense for personnel and readiness 186 00:09:52,983 --> 00:09:55,150 on all matters related to readiness of 187 00:09:55,150 --> 00:09:57,206 the Total force . In that capacity , 188 00:09:57,206 --> 00:09:59,094 she develops policies and plans , 189 00:09:59,094 --> 00:10:00,539 provides advice and makes 190 00:10:00,539 --> 00:10:02,317 recommendations for total Force 191 00:10:02,317 --> 00:10:04,570 readiness programs , reporting and 192 00:10:04,570 --> 00:10:06,737 assessment of readiness to execute the 193 00:10:06,737 --> 00:10:09,080 national Defense strategy . Misskelley 194 00:10:09,090 --> 00:10:11,312 previously served on active duty in the 195 00:10:11,312 --> 00:10:13,479 US Navy for 20 years as a naval flight 196 00:10:13,479 --> 00:10:15,479 officer , retiring with the rank of 197 00:10:15,479 --> 00:10:17,757 commander . After a period in industry . 198 00:10:17,757 --> 00:10:19,590 She became the first transgender 199 00:10:19,590 --> 00:10:21,757 veteran to be appointed by a president 200 00:10:21,757 --> 00:10:23,923 in 2013 when President Obama appointed 201 00:10:23,923 --> 00:10:25,812 her as a special assistant to the 202 00:10:25,812 --> 00:10:27,630 undersecretary of Defense for 203 00:10:27,630 --> 00:10:29,686 acquisition technology and logistics 204 00:10:29,686 --> 00:10:31,852 and then as the director of the office 205 00:10:31,852 --> 00:10:34,074 of the Executive Secretariat at the U . 206 00:10:34,074 --> 00:10:36,370 S . Department of Transportation In 207 00:10:36,370 --> 00:10:38,537 2017 she was appointed to the National 208 00:10:38,537 --> 00:10:40,648 Commission on Military , National and 209 00:10:40,648 --> 00:10:42,870 Public Service . Misskelley is also the 210 00:10:42,870 --> 00:10:45,092 co founder and former Vice President of 211 00:10:45,092 --> 00:10:47,259 Out in National Security , a nonprofit 212 00:10:47,259 --> 00:10:49,314 organization dedicated to increasing 213 00:10:49,314 --> 00:10:51,537 opportunities and representation of the 214 00:10:51,537 --> 00:10:54,100 LGBT community within National Security 215 00:10:54,110 --> 00:10:56,550 and international affairs industry . 216 00:10:56,940 --> 00:10:58,760 And also served on the atlantic 217 00:10:58,770 --> 00:11:01,470 council's L . G . B . T . I Advisory 218 00:11:01,470 --> 00:11:03,359 council . I can't think of a more 219 00:11:03,359 --> 00:11:05,248 qualified speaker to lead off our 220 00:11:05,248 --> 00:11:07,414 program today . Please give me join me 221 00:11:07,414 --> 00:11:09,581 in giving a warm welcome to Miss Shawn 222 00:11:09,581 --> 00:11:09,360 Skelly . 223 00:11:20,640 --> 00:11:23,370 Thank you . Rudy . Deputy Secretary 224 00:11:23,370 --> 00:11:25,481 hicks , distinguished guests , Ladies 225 00:11:25,481 --> 00:11:27,648 and gentlemen , good morning and happy 226 00:11:27,648 --> 00:11:29,060 pride altogether 227 00:11:35,740 --> 00:11:38,180 altogether . In his pride month 228 00:11:38,180 --> 00:11:40,124 proclamation last week , President 229 00:11:40,124 --> 00:11:41,902 biden describes this month as a 230 00:11:41,902 --> 00:11:44,220 celebration of generations of L G B T . 231 00:11:44,220 --> 00:11:46,560 Q . I plus people who have fought to 232 00:11:46,560 --> 00:11:48,616 make the possibilities of our nation 233 00:11:48,616 --> 00:11:51,500 real For every american , the president 234 00:11:51,500 --> 00:11:53,930 later notes his own historic action to 235 00:11:53,930 --> 00:11:56,097 ensure that everyone , no matter who , 236 00:11:56,097 --> 00:11:58,430 who they are or whom they love has an 237 00:11:58,430 --> 00:12:01,270 equal place in our democracy . It's in 238 00:12:01,270 --> 00:12:03,492 the space of those ideals and realities 239 00:12:03,492 --> 00:12:05,714 described by the two points that I like 240 00:12:05,714 --> 00:12:07,992 to spend my time today . The L . G . B . 241 00:12:07,992 --> 00:12:09,770 T . Q plus americans , we honor 242 00:12:09,770 --> 00:12:11,992 military and civilian alike . Presently 243 00:12:11,992 --> 00:12:14,214 serving our nation as well as those who 244 00:12:14,214 --> 00:12:16,270 have served are the embodiment of an 245 00:12:16,270 --> 00:12:18,159 ideal , a tradition as old as the 246 00:12:18,159 --> 00:12:21,180 nation itself that is serving America , 247 00:12:21,190 --> 00:12:23,357 stepping forward to protect and defend 248 00:12:23,357 --> 00:12:25,600 it , knowing all that such a commitment 249 00:12:25,600 --> 00:12:28,150 entails and doing so on spec . 250 00:12:31,940 --> 00:12:33,884 I just started off quoting a world 251 00:12:33,884 --> 00:12:36,051 famous , proud irish american . So now 252 00:12:36,051 --> 00:12:38,107 I'll quote a world famous Irishman , 253 00:12:38,640 --> 00:12:40,940 the singer bono in an address just 254 00:12:40,940 --> 00:12:42,662 across the river at Georgetown 255 00:12:42,662 --> 00:12:46,380 University a decade ago said America is 256 00:12:46,380 --> 00:12:48,660 an idea , isn't it ? That's how we see 257 00:12:48,660 --> 00:12:50,604 you around the world as one of the 258 00:12:50,604 --> 00:12:53,470 greatest ideas in human history . That 259 00:12:53,470 --> 00:12:56,110 idea . The America idea that you and me 260 00:12:56,120 --> 00:12:59,190 are created equally Because that's the 261 00:12:59,190 --> 00:13:01,970 spec the speculative basis that people , 262 00:13:01,970 --> 00:13:04,081 from not just across this country but 263 00:13:04,081 --> 00:13:06,303 from across the world across the nearly 264 00:13:06,303 --> 00:13:08,248 250 years since our declaration of 265 00:13:08,248 --> 00:13:10,248 independence have included in their 266 00:13:10,248 --> 00:13:12,248 decision , their commitment , their 267 00:13:12,248 --> 00:13:14,414 motivation , whole or in part to serve 268 00:13:14,414 --> 00:13:16,581 the United States of America . That in 269 00:13:16,581 --> 00:13:18,748 America that collection of ideas , the 270 00:13:18,748 --> 00:13:20,692 documents that enshrine them , the 271 00:13:20,692 --> 00:13:22,692 people who live and value them will 272 00:13:22,692 --> 00:13:24,748 come to see all of that extending to 273 00:13:24,748 --> 00:13:27,270 them and those like them by serving 274 00:13:27,330 --> 00:13:29,430 when you don't have in some form the 275 00:13:29,430 --> 00:13:31,486 acceptance protections and rights of 276 00:13:31,486 --> 00:13:33,670 other americans . It's a through line 277 00:13:33,670 --> 00:13:35,837 that runs from the american revolution 278 00:13:35,940 --> 00:13:38,510 directly to us here in this room were 279 00:13:38,520 --> 00:13:40,687 and who and what we're recognizing and 280 00:13:40,687 --> 00:13:43,880 celebrating today . That line includes 281 00:13:43,890 --> 00:13:46,001 immigrants , black americans , native 282 00:13:46,001 --> 00:13:48,168 americans , Japanese americans , women 283 00:13:48,940 --> 00:13:51,250 and L . G . B . T . Q plus americans , 284 00:13:52,140 --> 00:13:55,020 all of Sir this nation honorably and 285 00:13:55,020 --> 00:13:57,020 done so at times when they were not 286 00:13:57,020 --> 00:13:59,187 seen or fully accepted as americans or 287 00:13:59,187 --> 00:14:01,409 enjoyed the protections and rights that 288 00:14:01,409 --> 00:14:03,520 other americans did or given the full 289 00:14:03,520 --> 00:14:05,409 opportunity to bring all of their 290 00:14:05,409 --> 00:14:07,576 talents to bear in their service . Yet 291 00:14:07,576 --> 00:14:09,798 still they served for the communities . 292 00:14:09,798 --> 00:14:11,798 They represent the service of these 293 00:14:11,798 --> 00:14:13,909 people . These americans in defending 294 00:14:13,909 --> 00:14:15,687 the nation has helped drive the 295 00:14:15,687 --> 00:14:17,742 arguments for their rights for their 296 00:14:17,742 --> 00:14:19,687 inclusion spawned civil rights and 297 00:14:19,687 --> 00:14:21,853 political leaders who helped shape the 298 00:14:21,853 --> 00:14:23,687 better nation for us . All those 299 00:14:23,687 --> 00:14:25,798 struggles were long often fraught and 300 00:14:25,798 --> 00:14:27,964 it can be said many of them remain yet 301 00:14:27,964 --> 00:14:30,187 incomplete . Which brings me to the L . 302 00:14:30,187 --> 00:14:31,964 G . B . T . Q plus americans we 303 00:14:31,964 --> 00:14:34,020 recognize and celebrate today . They 304 00:14:34,020 --> 00:14:36,187 represent a community of americans are 305 00:14:36,187 --> 00:14:38,131 among the most vulnerable in every 306 00:14:38,131 --> 00:14:40,298 category . Our society measures safety 307 00:14:40,298 --> 00:14:42,409 from violence , education , housing , 308 00:14:42,409 --> 00:14:44,409 employment , healthcare . President 309 00:14:44,409 --> 00:14:46,464 Biden makes explicit that our rights 310 00:14:46,464 --> 00:14:48,687 are under relentless attack and that we 311 00:14:48,687 --> 00:14:50,687 face especially people of color and 312 00:14:50,687 --> 00:14:52,890 trans americans quote discrimination 313 00:14:52,890 --> 00:14:54,779 and cruel , persistent efforts to 314 00:14:54,779 --> 00:14:56,501 undermine their human rights . 315 00:14:56,940 --> 00:14:59,051 America's formative promise to itself 316 00:14:59,051 --> 00:15:01,218 remains today tangibly unfulfilled for 317 00:15:01,218 --> 00:15:03,540 too many americans and remarkably , for 318 00:15:03,540 --> 00:15:05,651 the L G . B . T . Q plus americans of 319 00:15:05,651 --> 00:15:08,290 today , we're an increasingly specific 320 00:15:08,610 --> 00:15:10,750 targeted risk which includes those 321 00:15:10,750 --> 00:15:12,694 serving within this department and 322 00:15:12,694 --> 00:15:14,690 their loved ones . But as bono so 323 00:15:14,690 --> 00:15:17,050 succinctly put it , that promised the 324 00:15:17,050 --> 00:15:19,161 explicit notion of equality is one of 325 00:15:19,161 --> 00:15:21,272 the greatest ideas in human history . 326 00:15:21,272 --> 00:15:23,272 An idea so powerful . It has been a 327 00:15:23,272 --> 00:15:25,106 beacon for nearly a quarter of a 328 00:15:25,106 --> 00:15:27,217 millennia , one that has drawn people 329 00:15:27,217 --> 00:15:29,050 to serve to protect and defend . 330 00:15:29,050 --> 00:15:30,939 America not just as a people in a 331 00:15:30,939 --> 00:15:33,610 territory , but as an idea that is a 332 00:15:33,610 --> 00:15:36,600 promise for as long as America remains 333 00:15:36,600 --> 00:15:39,230 free . It can continue its long 334 00:15:39,240 --> 00:15:41,570 undeniably imperfect but historic 335 00:15:41,580 --> 00:15:43,691 journey towards that promise and full 336 00:15:43,691 --> 00:15:45,469 inclusion and the betterment of 337 00:15:45,469 --> 00:15:47,940 everyone who calls it home . The public 338 00:15:47,940 --> 00:15:50,107 servants of this department don't just 339 00:15:50,107 --> 00:15:52,107 protect the America of today . They 340 00:15:52,107 --> 00:15:54,051 make possible with President biden 341 00:15:54,051 --> 00:15:55,884 describes in his proclamation as 342 00:15:55,884 --> 00:15:58,107 realizing the full promise of America . 343 00:15:58,140 --> 00:16:00,362 There isn't a day that I am not humbled 344 00:16:00,362 --> 00:16:02,362 by my responsibilities as a part of 345 00:16:02,362 --> 00:16:04,418 this department . We're grateful for 346 00:16:04,418 --> 00:16:06,418 the leaders I work for here in this 347 00:16:06,418 --> 00:16:08,418 building and at the White House and 348 00:16:08,418 --> 00:16:10,307 mindful of what my presence in my 349 00:16:10,307 --> 00:16:13,960 position means . It's an honor I simply 350 00:16:13,960 --> 00:16:16,182 could not have imagined nearly 15 years 351 00:16:16,182 --> 00:16:18,404 ago when I walked into this building as 352 00:16:18,404 --> 00:16:20,349 a Navy commander in marine digital 353 00:16:20,349 --> 00:16:22,720 utilities for I was stone cold certain 354 00:16:22,730 --> 00:16:24,841 it was the last time I was gonna walk 355 00:16:24,841 --> 00:16:26,563 in here again . Certainly as a 356 00:16:26,563 --> 00:16:28,650 professional , it was inconceivable 357 00:16:28,650 --> 00:16:30,483 because of the very reason I was 358 00:16:30,483 --> 00:16:32,650 retiring from active duty as soon as I 359 00:16:32,650 --> 00:16:35,480 possibly could . But I'm here for a 360 00:16:35,480 --> 00:16:37,560 second stint since that day and this 361 00:16:37,560 --> 00:16:39,616 time as a Senate confirmed assistant 362 00:16:39,616 --> 00:16:42,130 Secretary of defense as an L G B T Q 363 00:16:42,130 --> 00:16:44,490 plus american my way here was certainly 364 00:16:44,490 --> 00:16:47,050 paved by generations of L G B T Q plus 365 00:16:47,060 --> 00:16:49,190 activists , champions , military and 366 00:16:49,190 --> 00:16:51,920 public servants in their allies in 367 00:16:51,920 --> 00:16:53,810 government and in civil society . 368 00:16:53,820 --> 00:16:56,360 People such as frank Kameny harvey milk 369 00:16:56,740 --> 00:16:58,684 Leonard Malevich and Major general 370 00:16:58,684 --> 00:17:02,170 tammy smith to name but a few but it 371 00:17:02,170 --> 00:17:04,392 was also all those who have come before 372 00:17:04,392 --> 00:17:06,700 on spec served as we do here now and 373 00:17:06,700 --> 00:17:08,922 given America the time and space across 374 00:17:08,922 --> 00:17:10,900 centuries to grow , learn and 375 00:17:10,900 --> 00:17:13,060 increasingly walk its historic talk 376 00:17:13,740 --> 00:17:17,170 LGBT Club to excuse me . L G B T Q plus 377 00:17:17,170 --> 00:17:19,220 americans have always served this 378 00:17:19,220 --> 00:17:21,470 country . We have always helped defend 379 00:17:21,470 --> 00:17:24,440 it . We always will not just for 380 00:17:24,440 --> 00:17:26,551 ourselves in our community or for our 381 00:17:26,551 --> 00:17:28,384 fellow americans today , but for 382 00:17:28,384 --> 00:17:30,551 America as a nation to become all that 383 00:17:30,551 --> 00:17:32,607 it should rightly become for all who 384 00:17:32,607 --> 00:17:36,540 follow altogether . It's 385 00:17:36,540 --> 00:17:38,484 now my honor to introduce the next 386 00:17:38,484 --> 00:17:40,373 speaker , the Deputy Secretary of 387 00:17:40,373 --> 00:17:42,850 Defense . Dr Kathleen H . Hicks . Dr . 388 00:17:42,850 --> 00:17:45,170 Kathleen H . Hicks serves as the 35th 389 00:17:45,180 --> 00:17:47,291 Deputy Secretary of Defense . She was 390 00:17:47,291 --> 00:17:50,090 sworn into that office on February 9 , 391 00:17:50,090 --> 00:17:51,990 2021 . Prior to becoming Deputy 392 00:17:51,990 --> 00:17:54,157 secretary , Dr Hicks held the position 393 00:17:54,157 --> 00:17:56,101 of Senior Vice president , Henry a 394 00:17:56,101 --> 00:17:58,101 Kissinger Chair and Director of the 395 00:17:58,101 --> 00:18:00,212 International Security Program at the 396 00:18:00,212 --> 00:18:02,379 Center for Strategic and International 397 00:18:02,379 --> 00:18:05,170 Studies . From 2009 to 2013 , she 398 00:18:05,170 --> 00:18:07,392 served as a senior civilian official in 399 00:18:07,392 --> 00:18:09,503 the Department of Defense , confirmed 400 00:18:09,503 --> 00:18:11,670 by the United States Senate in 2012 as 401 00:18:11,670 --> 00:18:13,614 principal deputy undersecretary of 402 00:18:13,614 --> 00:18:15,226 defense for policy . She was 403 00:18:15,226 --> 00:18:17,392 responsible for advising the Secretary 404 00:18:17,392 --> 00:18:19,281 of Defense on Global and Regional 405 00:18:19,281 --> 00:18:21,448 Defense Policy and Strategy . She also 406 00:18:21,448 --> 00:18:23,392 served as Deputy Undersecretary of 407 00:18:23,392 --> 00:18:25,614 Defense for Strategy , plans and forces 408 00:18:25,614 --> 00:18:27,790 leading the development of the 2012 409 00:18:27,800 --> 00:18:30,900 defense strategic guidance and the 2010 410 00:18:30,900 --> 00:18:33,122 quadrennial Defense Review and crafting 411 00:18:33,122 --> 00:18:35,400 guidance for future force capabilities , 412 00:18:35,400 --> 00:18:37,760 Overseas military posture and 413 00:18:37,760 --> 00:18:40,038 contingency and theater campaign Plans . 414 00:18:41,240 --> 00:18:43,351 Prior to becoming the Dusty for SPF . 415 00:18:43,351 --> 00:18:46,350 From 2006 to 2009 . Deputy Secretary 416 00:18:46,350 --> 00:18:48,860 Hicks was a senior fellow at the Center 417 00:18:48,860 --> 00:18:51,193 for Strategic and International Studies . 418 00:18:51,230 --> 00:18:53,230 Deputy Secretary Hicks launched her 419 00:18:53,230 --> 00:18:55,452 career as a civil servant in the office 420 00:18:55,452 --> 00:18:57,563 of the Secretary of Defense , serving 421 00:18:57,563 --> 00:18:59,740 from 1993 to 2006 and a variety of 422 00:18:59,740 --> 00:19:01,962 capacities and rising from presidential 423 00:19:01,962 --> 00:19:03,740 management intern to the senior 424 00:19:03,740 --> 00:19:06,190 executive service . DR Hicks holds a 425 00:19:06,190 --> 00:19:08,079 PhD in political science from the 426 00:19:08,079 --> 00:19:10,301 massachusetts Institute of Technology , 427 00:19:10,340 --> 00:19:12,229 an M . A . From the University of 428 00:19:12,229 --> 00:19:14,470 Maryland School of Public Affairs and 429 00:19:14,470 --> 00:19:17,060 an A . B . Magna cum laude and phi beta 430 00:19:17,060 --> 00:19:19,270 kappa from Mount Holyoke College . 431 00:19:19,840 --> 00:19:21,784 Please join me in welcoming Deputy 432 00:19:21,784 --> 00:19:24,660 Secretary Hicks . Yeah . 433 00:19:26,140 --> 00:19:27,140 Right 434 00:19:33,740 --> 00:19:35,790 well thank you sean for the very 435 00:19:35,790 --> 00:19:39,330 thoughtful and wonderful opening and 436 00:19:39,330 --> 00:19:42,160 for the rather thorough and slightly 437 00:19:42,160 --> 00:19:46,030 embarrassing um summary of my my resume 438 00:19:46,030 --> 00:19:48,370 but I really appreciate um really the 439 00:19:48,370 --> 00:19:52,140 depth of um personal emotion 440 00:19:52,150 --> 00:19:54,970 and rightful honor and do that . You're 441 00:19:54,970 --> 00:19:58,360 giving to the those who came before you . 442 00:19:59,540 --> 00:20:01,870 I also want to thank you S . T . Skelly 443 00:20:01,870 --> 00:20:04,037 for your two decades of service to the 444 00:20:04,037 --> 00:20:06,840 country as a naval flight officer and 445 00:20:06,840 --> 00:20:09,150 for your continued service today . And 446 00:20:09,150 --> 00:20:11,039 thank you to randy Coates and the 447 00:20:11,039 --> 00:20:13,390 entire D . O . D . Pride team for their 448 00:20:13,390 --> 00:20:15,320 hard work in making today's event 449 00:20:15,320 --> 00:20:17,542 possible , please join me in a round of 450 00:20:17,542 --> 00:20:19,460 applause for randy and his team . 451 00:20:24,640 --> 00:20:28,490 Mhm . So to the L . 452 00:20:28,490 --> 00:20:31,070 G . B . T . Q . Plus civilian and 453 00:20:31,070 --> 00:20:33,650 service members in attendance today and 454 00:20:33,650 --> 00:20:35,594 those who are joining us virtually 455 00:20:35,594 --> 00:20:38,470 thank you and thank your families and 456 00:20:38,470 --> 00:20:40,510 those who support you for all that 457 00:20:40,510 --> 00:20:42,732 you've given in defense of our nation . 458 00:20:43,140 --> 00:20:46,250 This event , our 11th annual ceremony 459 00:20:46,260 --> 00:20:48,920 has always had outstanding speakers 460 00:20:48,920 --> 00:20:51,420 representing the community and today is 461 00:20:51,420 --> 00:20:53,940 no different . In addition to Asd 462 00:20:53,940 --> 00:20:56,320 Skelly and Lieutenant Colonel Fram will 463 00:20:56,320 --> 00:20:57,931 have the chance to hear from 464 00:20:57,931 --> 00:20:59,987 undersecretary of the Air Force Gina 465 00:20:59,987 --> 00:21:02,042 Ortiz jones and I've been honored in 466 00:21:02,042 --> 00:21:04,153 particular to work quite closely with 467 00:21:04,153 --> 00:21:06,264 Asd Skelly and undersecretary jones . 468 00:21:06,264 --> 00:21:08,610 They are both star performers for the D 469 00:21:08,610 --> 00:21:10,221 O . D team and for the biden 470 00:21:10,221 --> 00:21:13,160 administration and their careers like 471 00:21:13,160 --> 00:21:15,720 those of the many L G B T Q plus 472 00:21:15,720 --> 00:21:17,776 civilian and service members with us 473 00:21:17,776 --> 00:21:19,776 here and joining us virtually are a 474 00:21:19,776 --> 00:21:22,090 testament to the value of diversity in 475 00:21:22,090 --> 00:21:25,330 our ranks . Pride Month is a time to 476 00:21:25,330 --> 00:21:26,830 come together to honor the 477 00:21:26,830 --> 00:21:30,160 contributions of L G B T Q plus people 478 00:21:30,170 --> 00:21:32,114 like A S . D . Skelly , Lieutenant 479 00:21:32,114 --> 00:21:35,050 Colonel Fram and Secretary jones And 480 00:21:35,050 --> 00:21:37,180 it's also a time to commemorate the 481 00:21:37,180 --> 00:21:40,450 June 1969 Stonewall , uprising , a 482 00:21:40,450 --> 00:21:42,339 landmark moment in the gay rights 483 00:21:42,339 --> 00:21:45,000 movement . As president biden recently 484 00:21:45,000 --> 00:21:48,160 stated Pride Month is a time to remind 485 00:21:48,160 --> 00:21:50,830 the L G B T Q plus community that they 486 00:21:50,830 --> 00:21:53,720 are loved and cherished , deserving of 487 00:21:53,720 --> 00:21:57,280 dignity , respect and support . You'll 488 00:21:57,280 --> 00:21:59,336 recall that at the beginning of this 489 00:21:59,336 --> 00:22:01,447 administration , the President signed 490 00:22:01,447 --> 00:22:03,780 an executive order on diversity equity , 491 00:22:03,790 --> 00:22:05,860 inclusion and accessibility in our 492 00:22:05,860 --> 00:22:08,510 workforce . It called upon the federal 493 00:22:08,510 --> 00:22:11,140 government to be a model employer where 494 00:22:11,150 --> 00:22:13,550 all employees are treated with dignity 495 00:22:13,550 --> 00:22:16,710 and respect at the Department of 496 00:22:16,710 --> 00:22:19,630 Defense , the single largest employer 497 00:22:19,630 --> 00:22:22,070 in the United States . We strive to 498 00:22:22,070 --> 00:22:25,090 lead on issues related to D . E . I A . 499 00:22:25,100 --> 00:22:28,450 Including as it pertains to L G B T Q 500 00:22:28,450 --> 00:22:31,300 plus people this morning . I'm going to 501 00:22:31,300 --> 00:22:34,060 touch on why and how we're doing that . 502 00:22:35,240 --> 00:22:37,462 First and foremost A D . O . D . We are 503 00:22:37,462 --> 00:22:40,130 committed to ensuring and promoting an 504 00:22:40,130 --> 00:22:42,580 atmosphere of dignity and respect for 505 00:22:42,590 --> 00:22:45,670 all civilian and military personnel . 506 00:22:46,840 --> 00:22:48,840 We strive to make the Department of 507 00:22:48,840 --> 00:22:51,690 Defense a workplace of choice for all 508 00:22:51,690 --> 00:22:53,960 americans , willing and qualified to 509 00:22:53,960 --> 00:22:57,720 serve . In doing so . We set a bedrock 510 00:22:57,720 --> 00:23:00,220 foundation where all personnel are 511 00:23:00,220 --> 00:23:02,780 valued and given an equal opportunity 512 00:23:02,780 --> 00:23:06,130 to succeed . This is the right thing to 513 00:23:06,130 --> 00:23:08,660 do in keeping with the principles on 514 00:23:08,660 --> 00:23:10,710 which our country was founded . But 515 00:23:10,710 --> 00:23:12,680 even more than that recruiting , 516 00:23:12,690 --> 00:23:15,160 developing and retaining a highly 517 00:23:15,160 --> 00:23:17,490 skilled military and civilian workforce 518 00:23:17,500 --> 00:23:20,280 of diverse talent is essential to our 519 00:23:20,280 --> 00:23:23,590 warfighting success from china to 520 00:23:23,590 --> 00:23:25,230 Russia to violent extremist 521 00:23:25,230 --> 00:23:27,570 organizations . And trans boundary 522 00:23:27,580 --> 00:23:30,230 issues like climate change today , the 523 00:23:30,230 --> 00:23:32,590 Department of Defense faces a host of 524 00:23:32,590 --> 00:23:35,800 challenges . The department should not 525 00:23:35,810 --> 00:23:38,920 and cannot be a place that discourages 526 00:23:38,930 --> 00:23:41,490 outstanding L . G . B . T . Q plus 527 00:23:41,500 --> 00:23:44,000 individuals from a career in D . O . D . 528 00:23:44,010 --> 00:23:47,060 Because of actual or perceived barriers 529 00:23:47,060 --> 00:23:49,160 to entry or hostile workplace 530 00:23:49,160 --> 00:23:52,590 conditions . Rather , we need a total 531 00:23:52,590 --> 00:23:55,030 force that reflects the vast diversity 532 00:23:55,040 --> 00:23:57,040 and talents of the United States of 533 00:23:57,040 --> 00:23:59,110 America in which all members are 534 00:23:59,110 --> 00:24:01,830 afforded dignity , respect and equal 535 00:24:01,830 --> 00:24:05,010 opportunity . This promotes the 536 00:24:05,010 --> 00:24:07,090 cohesion that's necessary for us to 537 00:24:07,090 --> 00:24:09,290 remain the world's preeminent military 538 00:24:09,290 --> 00:24:12,180 force . We know that our military is 539 00:24:12,180 --> 00:24:14,360 stronger because of brave individuals 540 00:24:14,370 --> 00:24:16,426 like Major General lee a ladder back 541 00:24:16,426 --> 00:24:19,070 who is joining us this morning During a 542 00:24:19,070 --> 00:24:21,292 selfless career that has spanned nearly 543 00:24:21,292 --> 00:24:23,600 30 years . General Lauterbach has 544 00:24:23,600 --> 00:24:25,489 focused on intelligence matters , 545 00:24:25,600 --> 00:24:27,630 commanded from the wing to squadron 546 00:24:27,630 --> 00:24:30,500 level , held a number of operational 547 00:24:30,500 --> 00:24:32,770 positions and executed a number of 548 00:24:32,770 --> 00:24:36,190 operational tours . Not surprisingly , 549 00:24:36,190 --> 00:24:38,023 general ladder back was recently 550 00:24:38,023 --> 00:24:40,023 appointed to the rank of lieutenant 551 00:24:40,023 --> 00:24:42,246 general . Her service makes our country 552 00:24:42,246 --> 00:24:44,357 more secure . Thank you Major General 553 00:24:44,357 --> 00:24:45,357 ladder back . 554 00:24:53,840 --> 00:24:56,410 I didn't make you stand up . Uh It is 555 00:24:56,410 --> 00:24:58,600 not just our flag and general officers 556 00:24:58,600 --> 00:25:00,433 who are representing the best of 557 00:25:00,433 --> 00:25:02,656 America throughout the department . The 558 00:25:02,656 --> 00:25:04,711 L G . B . T . Q plus service members 559 00:25:04,711 --> 00:25:06,711 make a real difference every day in 560 00:25:06,711 --> 00:25:08,767 defending our nation . This includes 561 00:25:08,767 --> 00:25:11,044 individuals like Sergeant Samson Gibbs , 562 00:25:11,044 --> 00:25:12,989 a recipient of the Navy and Marine 563 00:25:12,989 --> 00:25:14,767 Corps Achievement Medal who was 564 00:25:14,767 --> 00:25:16,933 currently deployed with a third Marine 565 00:25:16,933 --> 00:25:18,989 Air Wing Or Captain Gordon Herrero , 566 00:25:18,989 --> 00:25:21,100 who just earned a master's of science 567 00:25:21,100 --> 00:25:23,322 degree in operational research . That's 568 00:25:23,322 --> 00:25:25,770 very dear to me with a 4.0 GP . A . 569 00:25:25,780 --> 00:25:27,836 While serving as a company commander 570 00:25:27,836 --> 00:25:30,500 overseas . Our national Security 571 00:25:30,500 --> 00:25:32,389 demands that the department be an 572 00:25:32,389 --> 00:25:34,920 institution that reflects a culture of 573 00:25:34,920 --> 00:25:37,560 inclusion where individuals are drawn 574 00:25:37,560 --> 00:25:40,190 to serve our valued and can actively 575 00:25:40,190 --> 00:25:42,450 contribute to overall mission success 576 00:25:43,740 --> 00:25:46,360 in september 2011 . The Don't ask don't 577 00:25:46,360 --> 00:25:48,830 tell policy was repealed , allowing L . 578 00:25:48,830 --> 00:25:51,000 G . B . T . Q plus service members and 579 00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:53,460 civilians to be their authentic selves 580 00:25:53,470 --> 00:25:55,940 in service to our country . And last 581 00:25:55,940 --> 00:25:58,700 september we commemorated the 10th 10 582 00:25:58,700 --> 00:26:01,400 year anniversary of that repeal . I'm 583 00:26:01,400 --> 00:26:03,178 so proud to have served in this 584 00:26:03,178 --> 00:26:05,400 department's leadership team at both of 585 00:26:05,400 --> 00:26:08,470 those historic points . Over the last 586 00:26:08,470 --> 00:26:10,637 decade , the department has undertaken 587 00:26:10,637 --> 00:26:12,970 a number of actions to advance the 588 00:26:12,970 --> 00:26:15,080 interests of the L G B T Q plus 589 00:26:15,080 --> 00:26:17,770 civilian and military service members . 590 00:26:18,340 --> 00:26:21,030 Those include revising military equal 591 00:26:21,030 --> 00:26:23,510 opportunity policy to protect service 592 00:26:23,510 --> 00:26:25,566 members from discrimination based on 593 00:26:25,566 --> 00:26:27,843 sexual orientation and gender identity , 594 00:26:29,040 --> 00:26:31,470 codifying , hazing and bullying as 595 00:26:31,470 --> 00:26:34,480 forms of harassment , implementing a 596 00:26:34,480 --> 00:26:36,702 department wide diversity and inclusion 597 00:26:36,702 --> 00:26:39,580 policy to promote a diverse workforce 598 00:26:39,580 --> 00:26:42,510 and inclusive culture , developing 599 00:26:42,510 --> 00:26:44,343 diversity and inclusion training 600 00:26:44,343 --> 00:26:46,500 requirements and course curriculum , 601 00:26:46,510 --> 00:26:48,830 including training to detect and 602 00:26:48,830 --> 00:26:52,110 respond to unconscious bias . And just 603 00:26:52,110 --> 00:26:54,221 last year I chartered the D . O . D . 604 00:26:54,221 --> 00:26:57,110 Equity team now our Defense 2040 task 605 00:26:57,110 --> 00:27:00,260 force to facilitate inform and advance 606 00:27:00,270 --> 00:27:02,860 enterprise wide D . E I . A progress 607 00:27:04,040 --> 00:27:06,610 while we should all be proud of these 608 00:27:06,610 --> 00:27:09,920 real concrete steps forward . We know 609 00:27:09,940 --> 00:27:12,720 there is more work to be done and make 610 00:27:12,720 --> 00:27:15,370 no mistake doing so is a priority for 611 00:27:15,370 --> 00:27:18,370 Secretary Austin . We will continue to 612 00:27:18,370 --> 00:27:20,590 advance policies and programs to 613 00:27:20,590 --> 00:27:22,423 develop and nurture a leadership 614 00:27:22,423 --> 00:27:25,250 pipeline of diverse talent and create 615 00:27:25,250 --> 00:27:28,110 pathways for everyone A D . O . D . To 616 00:27:28,110 --> 00:27:31,310 realize their potential . We know that 617 00:27:31,310 --> 00:27:33,580 organizational climates affect our 618 00:27:33,580 --> 00:27:36,240 workforces experiences more to the 619 00:27:36,240 --> 00:27:38,780 point it affects our warrior readiness . 620 00:27:38,990 --> 00:27:41,500 Therefore we are directing initiatives 621 00:27:41,720 --> 00:27:44,910 to improve leader skill development and 622 00:27:44,910 --> 00:27:48,280 foster more effective inclusive team 623 00:27:48,280 --> 00:27:51,420 environments . We know that we must be 624 00:27:51,430 --> 00:27:54,370 agile yet be deliberate in our approach . 625 00:27:54,380 --> 00:27:57,040 We must thoughtfully and fully consider 626 00:27:57,040 --> 00:27:59,410 how our actions today will contribute 627 00:27:59,410 --> 00:28:02,100 to a better tomorrow . Therefore the 628 00:28:02,100 --> 00:28:04,700 department is developing A D . I . A 629 00:28:04,710 --> 00:28:07,310 strategic plan to guide and direct 630 00:28:07,310 --> 00:28:10,120 activities to further de Ia initiatives 631 00:28:10,120 --> 00:28:13,060 within the Department of Defense . Our 632 00:28:13,060 --> 00:28:15,720 plan is in the final stages of approval 633 00:28:15,730 --> 00:28:17,952 and it will identify the priorities and 634 00:28:17,952 --> 00:28:20,063 objectives the D . O . D . Will focus 635 00:28:20,063 --> 00:28:23,290 on over the coming year . Even as we 636 00:28:23,290 --> 00:28:25,630 advance our strategic plan , all of us 637 00:28:25,630 --> 00:28:27,690 must keep in mind the diversity , 638 00:28:27,700 --> 00:28:30,060 equity inclusion and accessibility . 639 00:28:30,540 --> 00:28:32,550 Progress will not only be driven by 640 00:28:32,550 --> 00:28:35,720 policies and programs . It also results 641 00:28:35,730 --> 00:28:37,841 from the individual actions that each 642 00:28:37,841 --> 00:28:41,170 of us take every day to that end , 643 00:28:41,170 --> 00:28:43,610 Secretary in Austin and I are committed 644 00:28:43,610 --> 00:28:45,940 to holding leaders at all levels 645 00:28:45,950 --> 00:28:48,670 responsible for fostering climates of 646 00:28:48,670 --> 00:28:51,070 inclusion that support D . I . A . 647 00:28:51,080 --> 00:28:53,770 Including for our L G B T . Q plus 648 00:28:53,770 --> 00:28:56,940 community . This is a core readiness 649 00:28:56,950 --> 00:29:00,090 issue Individually , we must look at 650 00:29:00,100 --> 00:29:02,650 each day as an opportunity to ensure 651 00:29:02,650 --> 00:29:04,872 that the department reflects the nation 652 00:29:04,872 --> 00:29:08,310 that we serve and defend . Let me 653 00:29:08,310 --> 00:29:10,477 close by offering my thanks once again 654 00:29:10,477 --> 00:29:13,190 to our event organizers , speakers and 655 00:29:13,190 --> 00:29:15,410 our service members and civilians for 656 00:29:15,410 --> 00:29:17,770 their commitment to our shared mission . 657 00:29:18,240 --> 00:29:20,610 The dedication of our diverse community 658 00:29:20,620 --> 00:29:23,300 of L G B T . Q plus service members and 659 00:29:23,300 --> 00:29:25,410 civilians to advance our national 660 00:29:25,410 --> 00:29:28,010 security and to their fellow military 661 00:29:28,010 --> 00:29:30,540 and civilian personnel , demonstrates 662 00:29:30,540 --> 00:29:32,596 the unity of the Total Force and the 663 00:29:32,596 --> 00:29:35,400 best of America . The diversity of the 664 00:29:35,400 --> 00:29:37,970 United States is unquestionably one of 665 00:29:37,970 --> 00:29:39,970 our greatest strengths . Many here 666 00:29:39,970 --> 00:29:42,200 today have fought hard battles to 667 00:29:42,200 --> 00:29:44,570 overcome bigotry and be treated with 668 00:29:44,580 --> 00:29:46,636 dignity and respect . That is due to 669 00:29:46,636 --> 00:29:49,260 every human being . Pride . Month is 670 00:29:49,260 --> 00:29:51,330 undoubtedly a time to celebrate our 671 00:29:51,330 --> 00:29:53,860 progress . But it is also a time for 672 00:29:53,860 --> 00:29:56,150 our department , our nation and our 673 00:29:56,150 --> 00:29:58,150 world to acknowledge the challenges 674 00:29:58,150 --> 00:30:00,250 that remain and to reaffirm our 675 00:30:00,250 --> 00:30:03,160 commitment to equality for L G B . T . 676 00:30:03,160 --> 00:30:06,120 Q plus people . Happy pride month and 677 00:30:06,120 --> 00:30:08,120 thank you . Okay . 678 00:30:15,340 --> 00:30:18,920 Mhm . Deputy 679 00:30:19,110 --> 00:30:21,130 excuse me , Deputy Deputy Secretary 680 00:30:21,130 --> 00:30:23,130 Hicks . Thank you so much for being 681 00:30:23,130 --> 00:30:25,186 here today and for highlighting that 682 00:30:25,186 --> 00:30:27,352 the Total Force is better prepared for 683 00:30:27,352 --> 00:30:29,519 the challenges we face when we can all 684 00:30:29,519 --> 00:30:31,910 bring our authentic selves To the five . 685 00:30:31,920 --> 00:30:33,980 Thank you . I'm seeing that Sergeant 686 00:30:33,980 --> 00:30:36,202 David Smith , I'm the Department of the 687 00:30:36,202 --> 00:30:38,424 Air Force's Bear Analysis working group 688 00:30:38,424 --> 00:30:40,480 and I'm signed with the Secretary of 689 00:30:40,480 --> 00:30:42,702 the Air Force's diversity and inclusion 690 00:30:42,702 --> 00:30:44,591 office . I'm here to introduce my 691 00:30:44,591 --> 00:30:46,758 friend and a great mentor . Lieutenant 692 00:30:46,758 --> 00:30:48,869 Colonel bree Ephram she was currently 693 00:30:48,869 --> 00:30:50,924 serving as Deputy Chief acquisitions 694 00:30:50,924 --> 00:30:53,091 policies and processes division in the 695 00:30:53,091 --> 00:30:54,813 office of the Deputy Assistant 696 00:30:54,813 --> 00:30:56,869 Secretary of the Air Force for space 697 00:30:56,869 --> 00:30:58,980 acquisitions and integration . In our 698 00:30:58,980 --> 00:31:00,980 previous assignment . She served as 699 00:31:00,980 --> 00:31:02,591 material leader , cyberspace 700 00:31:02,591 --> 00:31:04,702 integration and transition at the Air 701 00:31:04,702 --> 00:31:06,813 Force Research Laboratory in Rome new 702 00:31:06,813 --> 00:31:08,758 york . Earlier assignments include 703 00:31:08,758 --> 00:31:10,758 oversight of the Air Force security 704 00:31:10,758 --> 00:31:12,702 cooperation and four strategically 705 00:31:12,702 --> 00:31:14,980 important countries in the Middle East . 706 00:31:14,980 --> 00:31:16,924 Executive officer to the Air Force 707 00:31:16,924 --> 00:31:18,702 Director of Strategic Plans , a 708 00:31:18,702 --> 00:31:21,690 logistic fellowship on the staff of 709 00:31:21,690 --> 00:31:25,430 congresswoman rodeo , hand handling all 710 00:31:25,430 --> 00:31:27,660 military veterans and foreign affairs 711 00:31:31,740 --> 00:31:33,640 and a program manager tour at the 712 00:31:33,640 --> 00:31:35,690 National Reconnaissance Office . 713 00:31:36,240 --> 00:31:38,351 Lieutenant Colonel frame is an excuse 714 00:31:38,351 --> 00:31:40,960 me unwavering advocate for transgender 715 00:31:40,960 --> 00:31:43,127 service members . She is the president 716 00:31:43,127 --> 00:31:45,520 of Sparta , A non profit agency that 717 00:31:45,520 --> 00:31:47,131 advocates and educates about 718 00:31:47,131 --> 00:31:49,131 transgender military service and is 719 00:31:49,131 --> 00:31:50,742 dedicated to the support and 720 00:31:50,742 --> 00:31:52,853 professional development of over 1500 721 00:31:52,853 --> 00:31:55,250 transgender service members . And she 722 00:31:55,250 --> 00:31:57,139 co edited the book with honor and 723 00:31:57,139 --> 00:31:59,320 integrity transgender troops and their 724 00:31:59,320 --> 00:32:02,010 own words . Lieutenant Colonel frank 725 00:32:02,020 --> 00:32:04,370 came out publicly as transgender on the 726 00:32:04,370 --> 00:32:06,770 day of transgender ban and the military 727 00:32:07,240 --> 00:32:10,210 Was dropped in 2016 and transition 728 00:32:10,220 --> 00:32:12,630 while in command position . She served 729 00:32:12,630 --> 00:32:14,500 through the imposition of of a 730 00:32:14,500 --> 00:32:16,830 transgender military ban from 2019 to 731 00:32:16,830 --> 00:32:19,110 2021 and it's currently one of the 732 00:32:19,110 --> 00:32:20,888 highest ranking out transgender 733 00:32:20,888 --> 00:32:23,260 officers in the United States military 734 00:32:23,740 --> 00:32:25,851 Ladies and gentlemen , please join me 735 00:32:25,851 --> 00:32:27,684 in a warm welcome for lieutenant 736 00:32:27,684 --> 00:32:27,270 colonel brief RAM . 737 00:32:33,040 --> 00:32:33,670 I can't 738 00:32:38,040 --> 00:32:39,707 thank you senior for the kind 739 00:32:39,707 --> 00:32:41,873 introduction . It's it's a pleasure to 740 00:32:41,873 --> 00:32:43,929 be here with all these distinguished 741 00:32:43,929 --> 00:32:45,984 guests today before today . The last 742 00:32:45,984 --> 00:32:48,300 time I wore this uniform was two months 743 00:32:48,300 --> 00:32:51,400 ago . I was terrified that it would be 744 00:32:51,400 --> 00:32:54,460 my last as a transgender service member . 745 00:32:54,940 --> 00:32:56,940 It wasn't the first time that I had 746 00:32:56,940 --> 00:32:59,107 felt like my last day in uniform could 747 00:32:59,107 --> 00:33:01,110 be at hand each time . That feeling 748 00:33:01,110 --> 00:33:03,520 struck , I knew I was in for a fight 749 00:33:04,040 --> 00:33:06,096 but this time it was for a different 750 00:33:06,096 --> 00:33:08,490 reason . On that day I was teaching a 751 00:33:08,490 --> 00:33:10,712 session on leadership and why inclusion 752 00:33:10,712 --> 00:33:12,546 matters to a group of mid career 753 00:33:12,546 --> 00:33:15,350 officers and N . C . O . S . As we work 754 00:33:15,350 --> 00:33:17,350 through some leadership traits that 755 00:33:17,350 --> 00:33:19,461 have been historically undervalued by 756 00:33:19,461 --> 00:33:20,961 the military . We hit upon 757 00:33:20,961 --> 00:33:23,800 vulnerability . Our vulnerability , our 758 00:33:23,800 --> 00:33:26,030 ability to be seen as human with all 759 00:33:26,030 --> 00:33:28,580 its attendant flaws is often the gap in 760 00:33:28,580 --> 00:33:31,840 our armor that lets others in that lets 761 00:33:31,840 --> 00:33:33,784 us forge the connections needed to 762 00:33:33,784 --> 00:33:36,660 serve in common purpose . So I let them 763 00:33:36,660 --> 00:33:39,980 in . I shared my vulnerability . Not 764 00:33:39,990 --> 00:33:42,212 that I was a transgender service member 765 00:33:42,212 --> 00:33:44,379 whose time in uniform was still at the 766 00:33:44,379 --> 00:33:46,630 whim of executive orders But that I was 767 00:33:46,630 --> 00:33:48,852 two days away from a 10 hour surgery to 768 00:33:48,852 --> 00:33:51,770 give me a new lease on life . We bonded 769 00:33:52,140 --> 00:33:55,110 all together . I recently returned to 770 00:33:55,110 --> 00:33:57,580 duty following a two week hospital stay 771 00:33:57,580 --> 00:33:59,580 in a month of convalescent leave to 772 00:33:59,580 --> 00:34:01,858 deal with an invasive abdominal cancer . 773 00:34:02,640 --> 00:34:04,751 While now adjusting to the new normal 774 00:34:04,940 --> 00:34:06,996 of being without three organs . That 775 00:34:06,996 --> 00:34:09,051 evolution has mostly passed by . Not 776 00:34:09,051 --> 00:34:11,218 only am I excited to be alive and back 777 00:34:11,218 --> 00:34:13,630 wearing the uniform of my country . I'm 778 00:34:13,630 --> 00:34:15,852 thrilled to share this day with you and 779 00:34:15,852 --> 00:34:18,670 my sense of pride , happy pride 780 00:34:26,140 --> 00:34:28,307 for that . I have some amazing leaders 781 00:34:28,307 --> 00:34:29,918 in the space acquisition and 782 00:34:29,918 --> 00:34:32,140 integration directorate to thank . They 783 00:34:32,140 --> 00:34:34,307 stood behind me and gave me everything 784 00:34:34,307 --> 00:34:36,473 I needed to get through that difficult 785 00:34:36,473 --> 00:34:38,640 time for me and my family . That's the 786 00:34:38,640 --> 00:34:41,730 spirit of altogether . Leadership was 787 00:34:41,730 --> 00:34:43,897 behind me because they would have been 788 00:34:43,897 --> 00:34:45,897 behind any member of the team going 789 00:34:45,897 --> 00:34:48,063 through one of the scariest moments of 790 00:34:48,063 --> 00:34:50,230 their life . They know that each of us 791 00:34:50,230 --> 00:34:52,341 brings value to the team and that all 792 00:34:52,341 --> 00:34:54,508 of us are worthy of the support needed 793 00:34:54,508 --> 00:34:56,674 to be our best selves . Whether that's 794 00:34:56,674 --> 00:34:58,897 in grabbing a new opportunity or facing 795 00:34:58,897 --> 00:35:00,897 the inevitable challenges that life 796 00:35:00,897 --> 00:35:03,620 throws at us all good leaders value 797 00:35:03,630 --> 00:35:06,200 each and every member of the team 798 00:35:06,210 --> 00:35:08,490 regardless of sexual orientation , 799 00:35:08,500 --> 00:35:11,270 gender identity , skin color or any 800 00:35:11,280 --> 00:35:13,290 other characteristic that makes us 801 00:35:13,290 --> 00:35:16,530 unique and diverse . We particularly 802 00:35:16,530 --> 00:35:18,760 those of us in the Space force cannot 803 00:35:18,770 --> 00:35:21,130 reach for the stars without us all 804 00:35:21,140 --> 00:35:22,560 reaching together 805 00:35:25,140 --> 00:35:27,950 to reset a bit . It is truly an honor 806 00:35:27,960 --> 00:35:30,127 to be here speaking with you today but 807 00:35:30,127 --> 00:35:32,640 I have to admit I'm a fill in because 808 00:35:32,640 --> 00:35:34,720 Master Sergeant Jamie Hash , an 809 00:35:34,720 --> 00:35:37,260 incredible Air Force leader was unable 810 00:35:37,260 --> 00:35:39,580 to be here today in advance of a P . C . 811 00:35:39,580 --> 00:35:43,390 S . To D . C . Jamie and I co lead the 812 00:35:43,390 --> 00:35:45,830 transgender policy team that is part of 813 00:35:45,830 --> 00:35:47,830 the lit , the Department of the Air 814 00:35:47,830 --> 00:35:49,997 Force's L . G . B . T . Q . Initiative 815 00:35:49,997 --> 00:35:52,180 team . I wanted to share a brief story 816 00:35:52,280 --> 00:35:54,224 of one of her accomplishments that 817 00:35:54,224 --> 00:35:57,800 helps us serve all together . Almost 818 00:35:57,800 --> 00:36:00,120 two years ago , a junior transgender 819 00:36:00,120 --> 00:36:02,450 airman was being repeatedly mis 820 00:36:02,450 --> 00:36:05,000 gendered by her colleagues . In an 821 00:36:05,000 --> 00:36:06,944 attempt to correct the issue , The 822 00:36:06,944 --> 00:36:09,120 airman began putting her pronouns into 823 00:36:09,120 --> 00:36:11,580 her email signature at the time . 824 00:36:11,760 --> 00:36:13,570 Official policy said that 825 00:36:13,570 --> 00:36:15,792 personalization of signature blocks was 826 00:36:15,792 --> 00:36:18,260 not allowed despite the flourishing use 827 00:36:18,260 --> 00:36:20,260 of quotes and slogans and signature 828 00:36:20,260 --> 00:36:22,440 blocks . It was this simple statement 829 00:36:22,450 --> 00:36:25,230 of authenticity from this airman that 830 00:36:25,230 --> 00:36:27,280 drew ire and had supervisors and 831 00:36:27,280 --> 00:36:29,391 network administrators threatening to 832 00:36:29,391 --> 00:36:31,790 pull her network access unless she 833 00:36:31,790 --> 00:36:34,990 removed her pronouns . Master sergeant 834 00:36:34,990 --> 00:36:37,046 hash learned of this airman's plight 835 00:36:37,046 --> 00:36:38,850 and set about devising a policy 836 00:36:38,850 --> 00:36:40,628 revision that would allow every 837 00:36:40,628 --> 00:36:42,770 individual to claim agency over their 838 00:36:42,770 --> 00:36:45,420 identity because she knows that when 839 00:36:45,420 --> 00:36:47,970 some are singled out , we can't be 840 00:36:47,970 --> 00:36:51,590 working all together stymied . At 841 00:36:51,590 --> 00:36:54,160 first Jamie persisted and brought the 842 00:36:54,160 --> 00:36:56,500 policy change to the lit for elevation 843 00:36:56,510 --> 00:36:59,810 and action through collaboration with 844 00:36:59,810 --> 00:37:01,810 the women's initiative team and the 845 00:37:01,810 --> 00:37:03,870 pacific islander and asian american 846 00:37:03,870 --> 00:37:06,800 community team . Again , utilizing the 847 00:37:06,800 --> 00:37:09,240 power of us all together , Jamie and 848 00:37:09,240 --> 00:37:11,430 all . It showed senior leaders how 849 00:37:11,430 --> 00:37:14,230 explicitly authorizing pronouns in 850 00:37:14,230 --> 00:37:16,410 official correspondence eliminates 851 00:37:16,410 --> 00:37:19,620 ambiguity prevents punitive action and 852 00:37:19,620 --> 00:37:23,280 empowers individuals . It certainly 853 00:37:23,280 --> 00:37:25,391 isn't just trans folks that benefit , 854 00:37:25,391 --> 00:37:27,447 how many women in this audience have 855 00:37:27,447 --> 00:37:29,502 received emails beginning with Sir . 856 00:37:30,430 --> 00:37:33,920 Ultimately Jamie's efforts paid 857 00:37:33,920 --> 00:37:36,160 off and the Department of the Air Force 858 00:37:36,170 --> 00:37:38,670 became the first to explicitly 859 00:37:38,680 --> 00:37:41,380 authorized pronouns , including they 860 00:37:41,380 --> 00:37:43,950 them for our non binary service members 861 00:37:44,100 --> 00:37:46,470 to ensure everyone was receiving the 862 00:37:46,470 --> 00:37:48,880 message that they are valued as we 863 00:37:48,880 --> 00:37:52,820 strive all together , we need 864 00:37:52,820 --> 00:37:55,610 to recognize what master sergeant hash 865 00:37:55,620 --> 00:37:57,787 and many others out there like her are 866 00:37:57,787 --> 00:38:01,060 doing as they take deliberate action to 867 00:38:01,060 --> 00:38:04,220 create a more inclusive service . All 868 00:38:04,220 --> 00:38:06,640 too often I hear leaders talk about 869 00:38:06,640 --> 00:38:08,690 providing everyone with dignity and 870 00:38:08,690 --> 00:38:11,830 respect like it's an aspirational goal 871 00:38:12,620 --> 00:38:15,780 that's not good enough . Dignity and 872 00:38:15,780 --> 00:38:19,770 respect is the bare minimum . It's 873 00:38:19,770 --> 00:38:23,000 the floor of where we can be . We must 874 00:38:23,000 --> 00:38:25,210 set our sights higher and focus on 875 00:38:25,210 --> 00:38:27,720 intentional inclusivity because there 876 00:38:27,720 --> 00:38:30,053 are still far too many people out there , 877 00:38:30,053 --> 00:38:33,040 not just L G B T . Q . Individuals that 878 00:38:33,040 --> 00:38:35,610 feel marginalized , shut out or 879 00:38:35,610 --> 00:38:38,280 discriminated against . So for all of 880 00:38:38,280 --> 00:38:40,670 you out there , I ask you to set out 881 00:38:40,670 --> 00:38:42,760 your symbols of pride , share your 882 00:38:42,760 --> 00:38:45,170 pronouns in your email , particularly 883 00:38:45,170 --> 00:38:47,226 if you're a person who doesn't think 884 00:38:47,226 --> 00:38:49,630 they need to initiate difficult 885 00:38:49,630 --> 00:38:52,090 conversations about racial and gender 886 00:38:52,090 --> 00:38:54,780 barriers and share a bit of your 887 00:38:54,780 --> 00:38:57,720 vulnerability in a way that draws 888 00:38:57,730 --> 00:39:01,520 others in You all have the power to 889 00:39:01,520 --> 00:39:04,620 take intentionally inclusive actions to 890 00:39:04,620 --> 00:39:07,040 ensure the multiple perspectives that 891 00:39:07,040 --> 00:39:09,660 we know make us stronger as we devise 892 00:39:09,660 --> 00:39:12,000 winning war fighting strategies . Get 893 00:39:12,010 --> 00:39:15,510 heard , reward the individuals in your 894 00:39:15,510 --> 00:39:17,590 organizations that bring everyone 895 00:39:17,590 --> 00:39:19,740 together and knock down barriers to 896 00:39:19,740 --> 00:39:23,280 service for others . Remember that we 897 00:39:23,280 --> 00:39:25,460 mark pride as not beginning with a 898 00:39:25,460 --> 00:39:28,820 celebration , but with a riot . I'm not 899 00:39:28,820 --> 00:39:31,730 asking you to pick up your bricks , but 900 00:39:31,730 --> 00:39:34,510 I am asking you to pick up your ideas 901 00:39:34,520 --> 00:39:37,460 about how we can be a more inclusive 902 00:39:37,470 --> 00:39:40,960 service and bring those ideas to the 903 00:39:40,960 --> 00:39:44,450 fight . When you as leaders take these 904 00:39:44,450 --> 00:39:47,400 steps , you create the culture that we 905 00:39:47,400 --> 00:39:50,290 need to attract and retain the best and 906 00:39:50,290 --> 00:39:53,060 the brightest . With that we're going 907 00:39:53,060 --> 00:39:56,520 to fight and win our nation's wars all 908 00:39:56,630 --> 00:39:58,030 together . Thank you . 909 00:40:04,910 --> 00:40:05,760 Yeah , 910 00:40:11,010 --> 00:40:13,010 thank you ma'am for those inspiring 911 00:40:13,010 --> 00:40:15,177 remarks highlighting the contributions 912 00:40:15,177 --> 00:40:17,288 of mass certain hash and reminding us 913 00:40:17,288 --> 00:40:19,399 that we can all be leaders who make a 914 00:40:19,399 --> 00:40:21,454 difference no matter where we are in 915 00:40:21,454 --> 00:40:23,343 the chain of command . My name is 916 00:40:23,343 --> 00:40:25,399 Captain john clothier . I'm from the 917 00:40:25,399 --> 00:40:29,030 150th . My brigade cyber um and it is 918 00:40:29,030 --> 00:40:30,974 my pleasure to introduce our final 919 00:40:30,974 --> 00:40:33,160 speaker this morning The 27th 920 00:40:33,170 --> 00:40:35,281 undersecretary of the air force , the 921 00:40:35,281 --> 00:40:38,090 honorable Gina Ortiz jones . 922 00:40:39,910 --> 00:40:42,021 Undersecretary jones was appointed by 923 00:40:42,021 --> 00:40:43,820 President Biden and unanimously 924 00:40:43,820 --> 00:40:46,320 confirmed by the U . S . Senate in july 925 00:40:46,330 --> 00:40:49,750 2021 to be the 21st Excuse me , 926 00:40:49,750 --> 00:40:52,040 27 Secretary of the Air Force , the 927 00:40:52,040 --> 00:40:54,207 second highest ranking civilian leader 928 00:40:54,207 --> 00:40:56,780 in the Air Force and Space Force A . 929 00:40:56,780 --> 00:40:58,780 Filipina American . She's the first 930 00:40:58,780 --> 00:41:00,391 woman of color to become the 931 00:41:00,391 --> 00:41:02,502 undersecretary of any military branch 932 00:41:02,610 --> 00:41:04,888 and the second member of the L . G . B . 933 00:41:04,888 --> 00:41:07,930 T . Q . Plus community Undersecretary 934 00:41:07,940 --> 00:41:09,884 jones commissioned through the Air 935 00:41:09,884 --> 00:41:12,390 Force ROTC at boston University . She 936 00:41:12,390 --> 00:41:14,390 went on to serve as an intelligence 937 00:41:14,390 --> 00:41:16,612 officer and deployed to Iraq supporting 938 00:41:16,612 --> 00:41:19,260 close air support operations upon 939 00:41:19,260 --> 00:41:21,260 separation from the Air force . She 940 00:41:21,260 --> 00:41:23,093 advised on military intelligence 941 00:41:23,093 --> 00:41:25,440 operations in central and south America 942 00:41:26,010 --> 00:41:28,700 US africa Command in Germany and served 943 00:41:28,700 --> 00:41:31,740 the Libya crisis intelligence . So most 944 00:41:31,740 --> 00:41:34,390 recently she served as the Director for 945 00:41:34,390 --> 00:41:36,501 Investment , leading the Committee on 946 00:41:36,501 --> 00:41:38,834 Foreign Investment in the United States . 947 00:41:38,910 --> 00:41:40,966 As undersecretary of the Air Force . 948 00:41:40,966 --> 00:41:43,077 She is responsible for the affairs of 949 00:41:43,077 --> 00:41:44,966 the Department of the Air Force , 950 00:41:44,966 --> 00:41:47,132 comprised of the U . S . Air Force and 951 00:41:47,132 --> 00:41:49,077 the U . S . Space Force to include 952 00:41:49,077 --> 00:41:51,299 organizing , training and equipping Air 953 00:41:51,299 --> 00:41:53,521 and space forces and for the welfare of 954 00:41:53,521 --> 00:41:56,250 approximately 700,000 active duty guard 955 00:41:56,250 --> 00:41:58,710 reserve and civilian airmen and 956 00:41:58,710 --> 00:42:00,766 guardians and their families serving 957 00:42:00,766 --> 00:42:03,080 around the world . As undersecretary . 958 00:42:03,080 --> 00:42:05,136 She oversees the department's annual 959 00:42:05,136 --> 00:42:06,990 budget of more than $173 billion 960 00:42:06,990 --> 00:42:10,960 risk 961 00:42:10,960 --> 00:42:13,320 management , weapons acquisition , 962 00:42:13,330 --> 00:42:15,220 technology investments and human 963 00:42:15,220 --> 00:42:17,570 resource management across a global 964 00:42:17,570 --> 00:42:20,350 enterprise . Please join me in giving 965 00:42:20,360 --> 00:42:22,582 undersecretary germs and warm welcome . 966 00:42:25,970 --> 00:42:26,970 Yeah . 967 00:42:31,300 --> 00:42:33,520 Mhm . Well , good morning . 968 00:42:34,800 --> 00:42:38,790 Okay . Happy pride . Good . 969 00:42:38,800 --> 00:42:41,020 I want to echo my thanks to the 970 00:42:41,020 --> 00:42:43,380 organizers . Deputy Secretary Hicks . 971 00:42:43,380 --> 00:42:45,380 Thank you for joining us , esteemed 972 00:42:45,380 --> 00:42:47,547 guest madam ambassador . Thank you for 973 00:42:47,547 --> 00:42:49,436 taking the time to be with us . I 974 00:42:49,436 --> 00:42:51,547 thought I heard of my favorite Gatien 975 00:42:51,547 --> 00:42:53,102 was also in the audience is 976 00:42:53,102 --> 00:42:55,269 Representative Tucano . Are you here ? 977 00:42:55,269 --> 00:42:57,324 Did you make it ? No , that's okay . 978 00:42:57,324 --> 00:43:01,150 All right . Um Gatien is the word 979 00:43:01,150 --> 00:43:05,110 yes . Um And thank you to those 980 00:43:05,120 --> 00:43:07,342 that are joining us virtually again due 981 00:43:07,342 --> 00:43:09,342 to covid restrictions . we couldn't 982 00:43:09,342 --> 00:43:11,398 have a packed house , but I hope you 983 00:43:11,398 --> 00:43:13,287 share with us in solidarity as we 984 00:43:13,287 --> 00:43:15,398 celebrate . Certainly the service and 985 00:43:15,398 --> 00:43:17,564 the contributions of our community , I 986 00:43:17,564 --> 00:43:20,210 must admit . Um walking into the 987 00:43:20,210 --> 00:43:22,980 pentagon every morning is surreal . It 988 00:43:22,980 --> 00:43:24,980 really is when I , because when you 989 00:43:24,980 --> 00:43:27,202 walk through the pentagon , I think for 990 00:43:27,202 --> 00:43:29,369 all of us you are reminded of how your 991 00:43:29,369 --> 00:43:31,313 own journey started , whether your 992 00:43:31,313 --> 00:43:33,313 uniform as a civil servant and that 993 00:43:33,313 --> 00:43:35,480 immediately literally every morning it 994 00:43:35,480 --> 00:43:37,850 takes me to boston university where it 995 00:43:37,850 --> 00:43:40,050 was a four year Air Force ROTC 996 00:43:40,050 --> 00:43:42,217 scholarship that took me from john jay 997 00:43:42,217 --> 00:43:44,272 high school in san Antonio to boston 998 00:43:44,272 --> 00:43:46,490 university . But I will never forget 999 00:43:46,500 --> 00:43:48,611 one of the very first things I had to 1000 00:43:48,611 --> 00:43:51,040 do there as a cadet which was sign a 1001 00:43:51,040 --> 00:43:53,480 piece of paper that said I will not 1002 00:43:53,480 --> 00:43:56,330 engage in homosexual behavior because 1003 00:43:56,330 --> 00:43:58,386 don't ask , don't tell applied to me 1004 00:43:58,386 --> 00:44:02,030 even as a cadet Signing that as an 18 1005 00:44:02,030 --> 00:44:04,030 year old , I knew exactly what that 1006 00:44:04,030 --> 00:44:06,540 meant . I knew that my opportunity to 1007 00:44:06,540 --> 00:44:08,940 get an education . I knew that my 1008 00:44:08,940 --> 00:44:11,370 opportunity to serve our country . I 1009 00:44:11,370 --> 00:44:13,330 knew my opportunity to die for our 1010 00:44:13,330 --> 00:44:15,552 country if need be all of that would go 1011 00:44:15,552 --> 00:44:18,310 away just because at the time we did 1012 00:44:18,310 --> 00:44:20,143 not have enough leaders with the 1013 00:44:20,143 --> 00:44:23,030 courage with the courage to say anybody 1014 00:44:23,030 --> 00:44:24,920 ready and willing to serve their 1015 00:44:24,920 --> 00:44:27,087 country should have the opportunity to 1016 00:44:27,087 --> 00:44:29,840 do so . So you better believe every 1017 00:44:29,840 --> 00:44:31,896 morning when I walk to my office , I 1018 00:44:31,896 --> 00:44:34,100 challenge myself to be the 1019 00:44:34,100 --> 00:44:36,322 undersecretary that I wish I would have 1020 00:44:36,322 --> 00:44:38,322 had when I was that young cadet and 1021 00:44:38,322 --> 00:44:40,610 that young officer certainly not just 1022 00:44:40,610 --> 00:44:42,777 for my community , the L . G . B . T . 1023 00:44:42,777 --> 00:44:44,888 Q . Community but for all communities 1024 00:44:44,888 --> 00:44:47,110 as venture and that are that are facing 1025 00:44:47,110 --> 00:44:49,277 barriers that are preventing them from 1026 00:44:49,277 --> 00:44:51,332 serving to their full potential . Um 1027 00:44:51,332 --> 00:44:53,443 that experience those serving under . 1028 00:44:53,443 --> 00:44:55,666 Don't ask , don't tell certainly shapes 1029 00:44:55,666 --> 00:44:58,000 how I lead , how I focus my time and my 1030 00:44:58,000 --> 00:45:00,820 energies . The voices , the experiences 1031 00:45:00,820 --> 00:45:03,230 that I choose to elevate many of which 1032 00:45:03,230 --> 00:45:05,452 that have not traditionally been at the 1033 00:45:05,452 --> 00:45:07,850 table but whom we are thankful for 1034 00:45:07,850 --> 00:45:10,240 their courage and their service to our 1035 00:45:10,240 --> 00:45:13,800 country . Um It is not an accident that 1036 00:45:13,800 --> 00:45:16,022 the Department of the Air Force was the 1037 00:45:16,022 --> 00:45:19,300 first department to clarify the 1038 00:45:19,300 --> 00:45:21,130 resources that are available to 1039 00:45:21,130 --> 00:45:23,630 families that may that the resources in 1040 00:45:23,630 --> 00:45:25,519 particular the exceptional family 1041 00:45:25,519 --> 00:45:27,852 member program . Uh for those L . G . B . 1042 00:45:27,852 --> 00:45:29,741 T . Q . Service members and their 1043 00:45:29,741 --> 00:45:31,963 dependents that may be impacted by some 1044 00:45:31,963 --> 00:45:34,019 of these current changes in laws and 1045 00:45:34,019 --> 00:45:36,019 policies . That was not an accident 1046 00:45:36,019 --> 00:45:38,074 that we were the first right because 1047 00:45:38,074 --> 00:45:39,241 leaders lead . Wow . 1048 00:45:44,890 --> 00:45:47,057 But as was mentioned , we still have a 1049 00:45:47,057 --> 00:45:49,279 lot of work to do , right . We've got a 1050 00:45:49,279 --> 00:45:52,330 lot of work to do . Um but this is one 1051 00:45:52,330 --> 00:45:54,800 of my favorite pictures um certainly 1052 00:45:54,800 --> 00:45:56,356 from my time serving as the 1053 00:45:56,356 --> 00:45:58,578 undersecretary because it shows what is 1054 00:45:58,578 --> 00:46:00,930 possible when we are willing to do that 1055 00:46:00,930 --> 00:46:03,700 hard work and ask those tough questions . 1056 00:46:03,880 --> 00:46:06,300 Um , and so the deputy mentioned we 1057 00:46:06,310 --> 00:46:08,421 last fall , we celebrated the 10 year 1058 00:46:08,421 --> 00:46:11,700 repeal of don't ask don't tell . And 1059 00:46:11,710 --> 00:46:13,932 due to covid restrictions , we couldn't 1060 00:46:13,932 --> 00:46:15,988 have a big ceremony . But I asked my 1061 00:46:15,988 --> 00:46:18,150 team to see if they might be able to 1062 00:46:18,150 --> 00:46:19,983 gather some folks that are still 1063 00:46:19,983 --> 00:46:21,983 serving in the building that served 1064 00:46:21,983 --> 00:46:24,039 under . Don't ask , don't tell . And 1065 00:46:24,039 --> 00:46:23,440 maybe we could just get in the 1066 00:46:23,440 --> 00:46:25,551 courtyard and take a nice picture and 1067 00:46:25,551 --> 00:46:27,718 there'd be a show of solidarity and we 1068 00:46:27,718 --> 00:46:29,829 share that , right ? Um , and so it's 1069 00:46:29,829 --> 00:46:31,884 the day of , I'm walking towards the 1070 00:46:31,884 --> 00:46:34,051 group and there's a lot of young folks 1071 00:46:34,051 --> 00:46:36,620 in this , in in the group . And I was 1072 00:46:36,620 --> 00:46:38,842 like , I think my team messed up . Um , 1073 00:46:38,842 --> 00:46:41,120 but I lean over and say , hey , you 1074 00:46:41,120 --> 00:46:43,176 know what , what's , what's going on 1075 00:46:43,176 --> 00:46:45,064 here , Some of these folks look a 1076 00:46:45,064 --> 00:46:47,398 little too young to serve and they said , 1077 00:46:47,398 --> 00:46:49,509 oh no , many of these folks wanted to 1078 00:46:49,509 --> 00:46:51,731 be part of the picture because they are 1079 00:46:51,731 --> 00:46:53,898 serving because don't ask , don't tell 1080 00:46:53,898 --> 00:46:56,064 was repealed because don't ask , don't 1081 00:46:56,064 --> 00:46:58,231 tell was repealed . So it really shows 1082 00:46:58,231 --> 00:47:00,064 you what is possible when you're 1083 00:47:00,064 --> 00:47:02,009 willing to do the hard work , that 1084 00:47:02,009 --> 00:47:03,953 talent among uh , in our country , 1085 00:47:03,953 --> 00:47:06,176 among those serving the talent , we are 1086 00:47:06,176 --> 00:47:08,398 able to tap into um , if we are willing 1087 00:47:08,398 --> 00:47:10,380 to remove those barriers to ensure 1088 00:47:10,380 --> 00:47:13,000 folks can serve to their full potential . 1089 00:47:14,080 --> 00:47:16,610 So I know it's pride , but I've got an 1090 00:47:16,620 --> 00:47:18,810 ask , yes , we are celebrating but we 1091 00:47:18,810 --> 00:47:21,670 have a lot of work to do . And so my 1092 00:47:21,670 --> 00:47:23,614 ask is actually quite similar . We 1093 00:47:23,614 --> 00:47:25,730 didn't we didn't um coordinate this , 1094 00:47:25,730 --> 00:47:27,897 but my ask is actually very similar to 1095 00:47:27,897 --> 00:47:30,200 to franz um in light of some of the 1096 00:47:30,200 --> 00:47:33,320 challenges that that continue exist to 1097 00:47:33,320 --> 00:47:35,431 exist for some of our service members 1098 00:47:35,431 --> 00:47:38,030 and their dependents . My ask is that 1099 00:47:38,030 --> 00:47:41,710 you trust your leadership team , trust 1100 00:47:41,710 --> 00:47:44,320 your leadership team . We have got your 1101 00:47:44,320 --> 00:47:46,700 back I think you hear that I think and 1102 00:47:46,700 --> 00:47:48,922 I know none of you , not all of you can 1103 00:47:48,922 --> 00:47:51,290 see virtually who is in attendance here 1104 00:47:51,290 --> 00:47:53,512 today , but you've got the Secretary of 1105 00:47:53,512 --> 00:47:55,734 the Navy , you've got the head of P and 1106 00:47:55,734 --> 00:47:57,790 our personnel and readiness , you've 1107 00:47:57,790 --> 00:47:59,940 got the the Chief of Staff of the Air 1108 00:47:59,940 --> 00:48:02,710 Force and so many leaders . So I asked 1109 00:48:02,710 --> 00:48:05,070 would be if you need help that you 1110 00:48:05,070 --> 00:48:07,237 please raise your hand and let us help 1111 00:48:07,237 --> 00:48:09,480 you . And in that we will do exactly 1112 00:48:09,480 --> 00:48:11,480 what Fran said . Lieutenant Colonel 1113 00:48:11,480 --> 00:48:13,591 franz said , which is one , highlight 1114 00:48:13,591 --> 00:48:16,490 our stories of service of sacrifice and 1115 00:48:16,490 --> 00:48:18,560 frankly make very clear to folks the 1116 00:48:18,560 --> 00:48:20,782 ways in which some of these changes and 1117 00:48:20,782 --> 00:48:24,340 policies affect national security 1118 00:48:24,340 --> 00:48:26,620 because they affect our readiness . I 1119 00:48:26,620 --> 00:48:28,731 need our airmen and guardians focused 1120 00:48:28,731 --> 00:48:30,842 on mission , not whether their kid is 1121 00:48:30,842 --> 00:48:33,120 going to be denied health care . Right ? 1122 00:48:33,120 --> 00:48:35,231 So I need if we can help please raise 1123 00:48:35,231 --> 00:48:37,231 your hand and we will absolutely do 1124 00:48:37,231 --> 00:48:39,287 that because that is what the entire 1125 00:48:39,287 --> 00:48:41,509 Department of the Air Force . Certainly 1126 00:48:41,509 --> 00:48:43,398 if I'm a Department of Defense is 1127 00:48:43,398 --> 00:48:45,453 focused on ensuring all of our folks 1128 00:48:45,453 --> 00:48:47,676 can serve to their full potential . The 1129 00:48:47,676 --> 00:48:49,842 pacing challenge demands it . We don't 1130 00:48:49,842 --> 00:48:52,380 have time or talent to lose . Um , so 1131 00:48:52,380 --> 00:48:54,602 with that again , I wanna thank you all 1132 00:48:54,602 --> 00:48:56,824 for taking some time to be with us here 1133 00:48:56,824 --> 00:48:58,991 today . Um if you remember the L G B T 1134 00:48:58,991 --> 00:49:01,324 Q community , Happy Pride to our allies . 1135 00:49:01,324 --> 00:49:03,158 Thank you . We could not do this 1136 00:49:03,158 --> 00:49:05,158 without you . Um , and now let's go 1137 00:49:05,158 --> 00:49:07,158 have some rainbow cupcakes . Okay . 1138 00:49:16,370 --> 00:49:20,330 No cupcakes yet . Thank you 1139 00:49:20,330 --> 00:49:22,386 Under Secretary jones for being here 1140 00:49:22,386 --> 00:49:24,552 today for your visibility and for your 1141 00:49:24,552 --> 00:49:26,608 advocacy on behalf of all Airmen and 1142 00:49:26,608 --> 00:49:29,020 Guardians . And thank you to all of our 1143 00:49:29,020 --> 00:49:31,330 incredible speakers today for sharing 1144 00:49:31,330 --> 00:49:33,552 your stories and inspirational messages 1145 00:49:33,552 --> 00:49:35,790 with us today . You've given us a call 1146 00:49:35,790 --> 00:49:37,734 to action that I hope we will heed 1147 00:49:37,790 --> 00:49:40,070 because all together there's nothing we 1148 00:49:40,070 --> 00:49:42,730 can't accomplish . Ladies and gentlemen , 1149 00:49:42,730 --> 00:49:44,930 before we close today's program , we'd 1150 00:49:44,930 --> 00:49:46,930 like to acknowledge all the support 1151 00:49:46,930 --> 00:49:48,819 that made this year's celebration 1152 00:49:48,819 --> 00:49:50,874 possible . Dodie Pride would like to 1153 00:49:50,874 --> 00:49:52,930 thank the Joint Forces Color Guard , 1154 00:49:52,930 --> 00:49:55,060 the Army Band Pershing's own Brass 1155 00:49:55,060 --> 00:49:57,660 quintet Master Sergeant Heil , our 1156 00:49:57,660 --> 00:50:00,390 vocalist , Mr Cyrus Salazar , the 1157 00:50:00,390 --> 00:50:02,223 Director of the Office of Direct 1158 00:50:02,223 --> 00:50:04,980 diversity Equity and Inclusion and the 1159 00:50:04,980 --> 00:50:08,650 Air Force LGBT initiatives Team , Os de 1160 00:50:08,650 --> 00:50:11,520 Public affairs , OsD graphics sector 1161 00:50:11,530 --> 00:50:13,540 protocol , The pentagon building 1162 00:50:13,540 --> 00:50:15,596 management office the special events 1163 00:50:15,596 --> 00:50:18,200 team and the Army multimedia visual 1164 00:50:18,470 --> 00:50:20,950 information directorate for all their 1165 00:50:20,950 --> 00:50:22,950 support in making today's events so 1166 00:50:22,950 --> 00:50:25,090 great , thank you all for attending 1167 00:50:25,090 --> 00:50:27,312 today's celebration and above all , for 1168 00:50:27,312 --> 00:50:29,630 supporting d o d l g b t Q plus 1169 00:50:29,630 --> 00:50:31,520 community in their service to the 1170 00:50:31,520 --> 00:50:34,210 nation . This concludes today's event . 1171 00:50:34,400 --> 00:50:36,511 Please stand for the departure of the 1172 00:50:36,511 --> 00:50:38,678 official party and then join us in the 1173 00:50:38,678 --> 00:50:40,567 lobby for some rainbow cupcakes . 1174 00:50:46,760 --> 00:50:47,230 Mhm .