RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Robert M. Gates has officially announced his retirement as the 22nd. Secretary of Defense for the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this event by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, Robert M. Gates is the only Secretary of Defense in U.S. history to remain in office during the transition from one president to another, from President George W. Bush's tenure into the term of President Barack Obama; and
WHEREAS, During his five years as Secretary of Defense, Robert M Gates oversaw the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and lifted the ban on women serving in submarines; and
WHEREAS, Before becoming Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates most was the President of Texas A&M University and enjoyed a long and influential tenure in government service; and
WHEREAS, Robert M. Gates ably served for twenty-seven years as an intelligence professional and was the Director of Central Intelligence from 1991 until 1993; and
WHEREAS, Robert M. Gates is the only career officer in CIA's history to rise from entry-level employee to Director; and
WHEREAS, Robert M. Gates Secretary Gates has been awarded the National Security Medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal, has twice received the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, and has three times received CIA's highest award, the Distinguished Intelligence Medal; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of Robert M. Gates serve as an example to all; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this eighth day of June, 2011, do hereby congratulate Robert M. Gates on his service as U.S. Secretary of Defense and do hereby express our best wishes for his continued success; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Robert M. Gates. /~)
Alderman - 14th Ward J