Neither has ventured far from the Air Force or the Academy. Lt. Gen. Richard Clark ’86, the Academy’s 21st superintendent, opens up about his leadership journey to Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Gould ’76, the man who first coached him all those years ago. Gen. Clark’s leadership story is exceptional and Gen. Gould does a masterful job of helping him tell it.

"The one thing that doesn't change is our mission. And our mission is to develop lieutenants, better leaders of character that are ready to go out and win our wars and that are ready to go out support defend the Constitution. That is it."

"Whenever there's Americans on the ground, we're going to do whatever it takes to help them you will do whatever it takes."

"Seeing those young guys go out there and do that, and do what they needed to do to help other Americans to help their fellow servicemen that made me prouder than anything."

"I am very happy and comfortable to leave this torch with them to hand the torch off to them. And I'm just proud to have served with them."

"I am leaving with a lot of gratitude in my heart, just from our cadets from our permanent party, from the alumni that helped us do this and the other supporters."

00:00:  Introduction and Mission of the Air Force Academy
01:09:  Lieutenant General Rich Clark's Background and Career
08:27:  Making the Best of Unexpected Assignments
10:18:  Leadership in Challenging Situations
00:09:  Introduction
07:28:  Enhancing the Academy's Facilities and Programs
14:57:  Developing Leaders of Character
31:11:  The Importance of Alumni and Supporters
37:51:  Transitioning to the Role of Executive Director of the College Football Playoff
45:08:  Conclusion

• Leadership is developed through challenging experiences like overcoming adversity, mentoring others, and leading in high-pressure situations like combat.
• Support from family, mentors, and sponsor families can help one persevere through difficult times and find purpose.
• Having an open mind and making the most of unexpected opportunities can lead to unexpected benefits and career success.
• Giving back to one's alma mater through things like financial support, mentorship, and service helps continue its mission and benefits future generations.
• Expressing gratitude to those who support your mission helps foster positive relationships and a sense of shared purpose.

Lt. Gen. Richard M. Clark ’86 is the Superintendent, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. He directs a four-year regimen of military training, academics, athletic and character development programs leading to a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force or United States Space Force.

Lt. Gen. Clark graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1986. His commands include the 34th Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota; 12th Flying Training Wing, Randolph AFB, Texas; Eighth Air Force, Barksdale AFB, Louisiana, and Joint Functional Component Commander for Global Strike, Offutt AFB, Nebraska. He has also served as a White House Fellow in Washington, D.C.; the Commandant of Cadets, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado; Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché, Cairo, Egypt, and as the Commander, Third Air Force, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Prior to his current assignment, Lt. Gen. Clark served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia.