Kendall calls on airmen and guardians to 'speak truth to power'

In his farewell address, outgoing Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall called on airmen and guardians to continue to "speak truth to power" and defend the rights enshrined in the Constitution.

Kendall thanked the airmen and guardians who spoke up to correct him during meetings, and he asked that military and civilian personnel continue to speak out “especially if it feels difficult to do so.”

Kendall asked those who work for the Defense Department to think about their personal boundaries -- particularly which lines they would refuse to cross.

“If we ever lose our Constitution and its protections, we are likely to do so because of those who kept silent and did nothing,” he said.

Referring to a conversation he had with Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Jim Slife, Kendall said the military is nonpartisan, but it is not apolitical. Swearing an oath to uphold the Constitution and advocating for military policies, strategies and funding is inherently political, but those actions are not bound to a political party.

“There is nothing more central to our duty and our moral obligation as public servants and as citizens than protecting our constitution,” he said. “This is even a higher duty than our obligation to obey orders.”

Kendall, who was visibly emotional several times during his address, leaves his office Jan. 20. He has held several positions within the Defense Department and served as Air Force secretary since July 2021.

“We support whoever’s in power,” Kendall said, “as long as we can do so in good conscience.”