    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [May 1, 1995]
    [Pages 625-626]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on Presenting the 1994 Commander in Chief Trophy to the
    United States Air Force Academy Football Team
    May 1, 1995

        Please be seated. I'm delighted to see all of you here: Senator
    Burns; Secretary Widnall; to our distinguished military leaders who are
    here, General Shalikashvili, General Fogelman, General Stein; members of
    the Board of Visitors of the Air Force Academy; Coach DeBerry; and the
    seniors of the Falcons football team. I want to congratulate the Air
    Force Academy on winning the Commander in Chief trophy now for the 6th
    year in a row.
        When I presented the Air Force Academy the Commander in Chief trophy
    2 years ago, I had just become President, and I didn't understand that
    the idea of a traveling trophy meant that it was supposed to go back and
    forth between Colorado and Washington--[laughter]--once a year. I now
    understand what this traveling trophy is, and I think I will be far more
    comfortable in doing my duty today.
        I was impressed with the Air Force Academy's ferocious defense. We
    could use some of your coaching up here from time to time, Coach.
    Sacking the opposing quarterback a record 48 times; 2 straight games
    holding your opponents

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    to minus 4 yards rushing; and after years of a wishbone offense, which I
    have followed closely, you pass more, over 1,500 yards this year. I
    think it's more appropriate for the Air Force Academy to have a big air
    attack. [Laughter]
        More importantly, you've won this trophy 6 years in a row, and you
    won this year because the young men who play football have embraced the
    lessons that Coach DeBerry has taught. The values of discipline,
    teamwork, and faith produce success not only on the field but also in
    the Air Force and in life.
        I look forward to seeing all of you again on May 31st, when I will
    have the honor of speaking at your commencement. And I am very proud
    that in 30 days all the young men behind me will be commissioned as
    second lieutenants in the United States Air Force.
        Having said that, I am very pleased now to present the Commander in
    Chief trophy to Coach DeBerry and the Air Force Academy Falcons, and to
    invite the coach up here to make whatever remarks he'd like to make.
        Congratulations.

    Note: The President spoke at 6:44 p.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. In his remarks, he referred to Lt. Gen. Paul Stein, USAF,
    Superintendent, and Fisher DeBerry, football coach, U.S. Air Force
    Academy.