`` We 're really going home , '' Robert Gates whispered to his wife at his farewell ceremony . Gates has a history of being asked to return or stay longer than planned in public service . He was the first secretary of defense who did not resign after less than two years on the job ; he is now chairman and CEO of Microsoft ( MSFT - news - people ). But after President Barack Obama persuaded him to stay , he said he threw the clock away . Defense secretary writes a heartfelt farewell to those who serve and have served .
`` We 're really going home , '' Robert Gates whispered to his wife at his farewell ceremony . Gates has a history of being asked to return or stay longer than planned in public service . He was the first secretary of defense who did not resign after less than two years on the job ; he is now chairman and CEO of Microsoft ( MSFT - news - people ). Defense secretary writes a heartfelt farewell to those who serve and have served .