ms. marshall for the imitation. i'm honored and delighted to be at the heritage foundation for this event. for years, i often say because i am a nerd, growing up i would watch c-span quite a bit and would see people and think-tanks and sit there and wonder, i wonder if one day i will be standing in front of this backdrop? so i am honored to be here so thank you for the imitation. my connection to this foundation goes back twice. i have with great honor and boasting used a lot of the work of robert rector in my own research and in writing. his work has been particularly helpful for me in terms of my own attempts to think differently about both political and economic liberation for african-americans. the united states united states is an incredible place. it stands out among other nations and in the world, and i recently had an opportunity to be reminded of how great this place is in my family reunion in escambia county, alabama, actually in the city of -- alabama. escambia county is the county that my family's planta

marshal service. she is the recipient of the presidential distinguished service award and several attorney general awards to include the edmond randolph award in recognition of outstanding service. as director, ms. hylton leads a key department of justice law enforcement agency responsible for federal judicial security fugitive apprehension, witness security, asset forfeiture and prisoner transportation, custody and safety. i am honored to present director stacia hylton. >> thank you, mr. president, for that welcome. i won't say that aaron kennard, while he was reading up my bio and gave up my years of service said, wow, you're old. i am particularly pleased to know the serving president is a sworn special deputy here and both at iacp. i take great privilege in our partnerships and the honor of so many that are sworn in to help us in our duties every day. i am also honored to be here today with all of you and share this with men of such great distinction. i am particularly pleased to be a keynote speaker at the winter conference since i've been a longtime member of the national sheriff's association and served on many of their committees. i would like to take a moment and reflect and recognize