and chief of naval operations, admiral john richardson. thank you all. thank you, admiral. over many decades and times of war and peace, mark esper has answered the call of duty. he has never failed. he hails from uniontown pennsylvania, the hometown of his personal hero. the legendary former secretary of defense, and great one, george marshall. he attended the united states military academy at west point, graduated in 1986, receiving a commission in the infantry. soon he earned his tab, his ranger tab, and fought with the famed 101st airborne division in the gulf war. he was awarded the bronze star, and the combat infantryman badge for a service. a brave guy. they all told me he's a brave