Dear Colleagues:

A few moments ago, I delivered my formal letter of resignation to the President. I wanted to share a copy of that letter with you prior to it becoming public, and also personally share with you what I have said to the President on many occasions.

This is an extraordinary organization that each day contributes to keeping America safe and free. In the less than two years of our existence, we have built a solid foundation of integrated programs and services that have significantly strengthened our country's security. This is a foundation for future progress that will continue long past my tenure as Secretary or that of future leadership teams. These achievements reflect the combined energy, commitment and professionalism - the combined power - of 180,000 men and women who go to work every day dedicated to making our country better, stronger and more secure.

The opportunity to serve as your Secretary has been one of the greatest privileges of my twenty-two years of public service. Thank you for your support and continued commitment to the protection of our country and to the preservation of our freedoms.

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