SECAF talks to students

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. A.J. Bosker
  • Air Force Print News
The Air Force’s top civilian spoke to an eighth-grade history class here May 7 about leadership, his career, the service and the war in Iraq.

During the event, Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche answered questions from the Northern Bethesda Middle School students on topics ranging from his responsibilities as secretary, to the military’s role in national policy matters.

“The role of the armed forces is not to make policy,” Roche said. “Our role is to answer questions and to support the president and the people who will make the policy decisions. We don’t ever try to make policy because that would not follow in the tradition of this country.”

Roche did tell the students that military members can and do exercise their power by voting, a right and privilege all Americans enjoy.

“The question and answer period was pretty exciting,” said eighth-grader David Brennan. “I learned a lot from it.”

Faye Thomspon, Brennan’s classmate, agreed.

“It was a good opportunity for us students to do something (unique) and learn (from it),” Thompson said. “This program helps (students) get the answers to our questions directly from the people who (can best) answer them.”

Roche thanked the students for their tough questions and wished them well in their studies and careers.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity to speak to these students,” Roche said. “They are the future leaders of America, and I hope that I was able to encourage and inspire them to pursue a career, if not in the military, then in public service to this great nation.”

The secretary’s appearance is part of a month-long educational initiative sponsored by C-SPAN and Comcast Cable called “Students and Leaders.” The initiative brings 40 national and public figures from government and the media together with students at 40 area schools to discuss leadership and public service.

These classroom events are recorded and rebroadcast on C-SPAN for students and viewers across the country. The speaking events are also available to the public on the Students and Leaders Web site.