George Tenet's remarks to his staff
Remarks by Director of Central Intelligence George J. Tenet to employees of the Central Intelligence Agency and the US intelligence community
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When I tell people being Director of Central Intelligence is the best job in government and the best job I will ever have I say it because of you. Because of your passion, your creativity, your spirit and everything you do every day in taking risks and meeting perils around the world.
Here at CIA, I have had the greatest of colleagues, starting with John McLaughlin a man of magical warmth, with you know his nickname is Merlin wisdom, and decency, the finest deputy and friend I could ever have and he will be a great acting director.
This is the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. And while Washington and the media will put many different faces on the decision it was a personal decision and had only one basis in fact the well being of my wonderful family. Nothing more and nothing less.
Nine years ago when I became the deputy director, a wonderful young man sitting in the front row was in the second grade. He came right up to my belt I just saw a picture of the day Judge Freeh swore me in and he's grown up to be . . .
Anyway, the point is, John Michael is going to be a senior next year. I'm going to be a senior with him in high school.
We're going to go to class together. We're going to party together. I'm going to learn how to instant message his friends that would be an achievement!
You've just been a great son, and I'm now going to be a great dad. Thank God you look like your mother. You're damned good looking.
The most important woman in my life, who I refer to as the home minister . . . look, if I could tell you the number of times I get an elbow in the middle of the night about what I've forgot to do for families at the CIA and our spouses and for our kids . . . honey, you'll be the best first lady this institution has ever had, and I love you. You are terrific.
You have all given us so much warmth, so much support and encouragement. The most difficult part of this decision was knowing that I would not be here with you every day in our offices, the cafeteria, conference rooms or the gym but I do hope I have earned a lifetime membership.
It is difficult in knowing that I will not be as directly connected to the thousands of men and women overseas who along with their families sacrifice so much to protect our country.
But there is also great joy in knowing that I will never be far away in heart and spirit from all of you. You will have no greater advocate wherever I may be for you and your families.
So, I wanted to see you all today to tell you personally about all of this. Fully recognizing that we will have more time over the next few weeks to be together in your workspaces so that we can thank you for what you have done for us.
And so, as I tell you about my plans to depart with sadness, but with my head held very, very high, as yours should always be because what you do is critical to everything our nation stands for its goodness, its decency and its courage.
I want to thank you for the support you have given me and my family. For being colleagues and friends. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. It has been an honor for us for Stephanie, for John Michael to be by your side.
It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be your Director.
May God always bless you and bless your families.
As Dick Helms used to say, let's get on with it and get back to work.
