the committee meets to consider the nomination of claude kehler for strategic command and carter ham for africa, and did we give you a warm welcome. we have a welcome for two new colleagues with us this morning. sen. coons from delaware, warm welcome to you. senator manchin not sure but i expect you will be here. -- not here but i expect he will be here. each of you have long and distinguished careers in the united states military. it is a pleasure to of both of you with us today. as you all know, without the strong and continuing support of your families, your military peers, yourlitary sacrifice are not possible. -- not the possible.