So proud of Uncle Richie...

Rick is a good friend of Ben's, and Nathan's Godfather. He recently graduated from the FBI Academy. We are very proud of him!

By Aileen Streng

Published: October 30, 2008

Forty-three men and women were sworn in as new FBI special agents on Thursday and President Bush was on hand to congratulate them.

"When you walk across the stage, you will receive your badge and credentials. And you will take your place on the frontlines of the war on terror," Bush said at the FBI Academy at Quantico Marine Corps base. "I thank you for stepping forward to serve our country during this important time."

Bush addressed the new agents in front of about 500 people—fellow agents, FBI students, law enforcement officers attending the FBI National Academy and family members—who packed the academy's auditorium. It was the 14th graduation at the academy this year. The agents had just completed a 20-week course.

FBI Director Robert Mueller and U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey also were also on hand.

The new agents came from a variety of backgrounds, including 17 military veterans, police officers, firefighters, lawyers, language experts, bankers, pilots, accountants and computer specialists.

"Professionally, we were defined by many titles. Today we are united by one title: special agents of the FBI," said Richard John Evanchec, the graduating class spokesman. "Much will now be expected of us."

"You are here because you want to serve your country to make it a safer and a better place to live. It is a commitment. Indeed, it is a calling," Mueller said.

The president appeared to be in good spirits, making jokes and posing for photographs with each of the graduates as they crossed the stage.

"The FBI has inspired generations of children to dream of joining the force," Bush said over the cries and fussing of a few restless children. "Sounds like I've inspired a few myself."

Bush outlined the FBI's 100-year history that began with 34 investigators and has grown to 34,000 agents, analysts and support professionals.

"In every era, the FBI has risen to meet new challenges. As you go forth from this academy, you will write a new chapter in the FBI's storied history," Bush said. "In the years ahead, your assignments will be as diverse as the FBI's mission."

The president discussed how the FBI has been transformed as part of his administration's broader efforts to modernize the intelligence community since Sept. 11, 2001, and the bureau's role in the war on terror.

"Since 9/11, the bureau has worked with our partners around the world to disrupt planned terrorist attacks. Most Americans will never know the full stories of how these attacks were stopped, and how many lives were saved," Bush said. "But we do know this: the men and women of the FBI are working tirelessly to keep our nation safe, and they have earned the thanks of every American.

"The FBI you join today is focused on collecting and analyzing intelligence—so we can figure out what the terrorists are planning before it is too late," Bush said.

Bush urged the new agents to defend the FBI's core values of fidelity, bravery and integrity.

"If you follow these principles, your careers will take you far, this agency will uphold its solemn responsibility, and America's security will be in good hands," Bush said.

Before the president left the auditorium, Mueller presented him with an honorary special agent badge. "Since 1957, this has been given to individuals who provide extraordinary service to the American people," Mueller said. "It is the highest honor we can award to an individual outside the bureau."

Bush then traveled across the base to visit members of the Marine Helicopter Squadron One at their hangar.