The most important thing I learned is that soldiers watch what their leaders do. You can give them classes and lecture them forever, but it is your personal example they will follow.

Let it [racism] be a problem to someone else... Let it drag them down. Don't use it as an excuse for your own shortcomings.

The greatest gifts my parents gave to me...were their unconditional love and a set of values.

Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

Politics is not bean bags. It's serious, tough stuff.

Giving back involves a certain amount of giving up.

Good and solid analysis and a formal way of looking at a problem [are the core ingredients of good decisions].