four years later his country called on pete garren once again. a life-time democrat, he was called by the george w. bush administration to serve in the pentagon. 2001 began a remarkable chapter of service to our nation's defense. from 2001 to 2009 during a time of war and a critical time in our nation's history, pete garren served as special assistant to the secretary of defensey the -- in the areas of interagency initiatives, legislative affairs and special projects. he then was appointed to act as the -- serve as the acting secretary of the air force and later as the acting secretary of the army. in march of 2007, he was confirmed as united states secretary of the army. in that position, he championed the cause of improving the quality of life for every army soldier and every army family. for years to come, because of the dedicated leadership of secretary garren, soldiers will live in better housing, they and their families will receive better health care and can know that their children will attend quality schools. pete garre in is secretary o