Secretary Gates Receives Award for Excellence in Public Service Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates shares a laugh with Former President George H. W. Bush, onboard a C-32 Aircraft to College Station, Texas, Oct. 26, 2007.   Defense Dept. photo by Cherie A. Thurlby Back To HomePage More Photo Essays Next About DefenseLink DoD Inspector General Freedom of Information Privacy & Security External Link Disclaimer Web Policy Contact Us USA.gov