How President Reagan Revitalized Military Morale

Watch as K.T. McFarland, a former speechwriter and spokesperson at the Pentagon, shares her unique experiences working directly with President Ronald Reagan during his administration. Discover the behind-the-scenes story of the famous "Star Wars" speech, how President Reagan’s initiatives transformed the Pentagon, and how his actions rejuvenated the morale and pride of the U.S. military.
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[@islandtech1963]

The man was one of the reasons I joined the Military.

[@acebrandon3522]

Me too.

[@DugEphresh]

God bless this woman and President Reagan!

[@fnln544]

An incredible Commander in Chief.

[@CountryFenderBass]

This is absolutely true. I joined the Marines in 1981. When I checked in to my first unit the older guys told me that I was lucky I didn’t serve during the Carter years. I was told there was no money for rounds to shoot at the rifle range. So they had to modify the range qualification and cut it in half. There was no money for fuel. Tankers could not train in moving tanks. Pilots could not fly. It was so bad that you had to bring your own roll of toilet paper to work. Lucky me when I got there the military was getting the necessary supplies. Not only did we get money Reagan gave us leadership and pride. He was extremely popular and I didn’t know a single Marine who disliked him. He was OUR President

[@USNveteran]

I was in the Navy when President Reagan was in office. It was also still the post Vietnam years and I served with many Nam vets, one guy was even Korea & Nam. All of us just felt tremendous relief to have someone like that in office that had your back and would make sure you always have the resources you need. Thanks to all now serving, those who have, and those who will in the future. FLY NAVY!!!

[@skittlesandfriends5710]

Hearing the story of him saluting the Air Force Cadets at graduation reminds me of when I joined the US Navy Seabees as a Construction Equipment Operator as a 17 year old fresh out of high school in 1983, and I had the opportunity to briefly meet President Reagan at Quantico Marine Corps Base years later he was on his way after visiting the FBI academy and I was part of a fifteen person detachment working on some road and drainage issues on a side road leading to a Marine Firing range, he stopped the motorcade and got out we snapped to attention and Saluted and he Saluted us back,and he briefly chatted with us before heading on his way. It was an honor to have served under his Presidency.

[@darren8517]

To my mind, the most historical presidency of our nation.

[@michaellibonati8354]

Thanks for the memory.of a great American. Ss the saying goes, they broke the mold..

[@luiscoelho1379]

This was really a great story told by a really great woman who understands it's important to tell it alot of people can't appreciate a great president like Reagan President Trump reminds me alot a President Reagan always thought of America first but would not hesitate to help our allies

[@AlanToon-fy4hg]

We all had a pronounced extra bounce in our step when Ronnie was President...😊

[@jgonzalez101]

President Ronald Reagan was such a great dedicated, knowledgeable and Patriotic President! He loved our Country and our Military Service men and women! May he rest in peace in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.❤🙏🇺🇸

[@davidswenton1038]

Ironically, just purchased K.T.’s book. Saw many interviews with this interesting woman. Well versed!

[@grahamyoung2128]

What a great man!

[@mikepayne737]

The last GREAT president and the standard to which we should all strive.

[@gregford2103]

I served USNR from 1984-90, and I didn't always agree with things Reagan said or did. However, the one thing I remember about Reagan is that as a military person, you felt Reagan always had your back.

[@commosection]

I served the entire 80's and 90's basically. The equipment changed drastically prime example my basic training cycle was the 2nd to receive the new cool looking BDU's then the Kevlar helmet and M-16a2 came out along with many changes with vehicles like the Abrams tank and Bradley which i first seen in a training area in Germany and first thought they were Germans lol. Blackhawks replaced Hueys. Then the long talked about Humvees series of trucks arrived.Not sure if Reagan was totally responsible for all changes since its normally along political process but it all changed in the 80's BUT the public didnt give us the respect until the first gulf war

[@orusandornots1915]

Well i joined in 1998 as an E2 and i qualified for food stamps. It's one of the reasons i voted for Bush in 1999 because he promised military raises. Wish politicians could keep their heads out of their asses enough to make sure the people who volunteer to potentially give up their lives for this country are not being paid so little they fall below the poverty line. That should never be an issue a president needs to promise to fix.

[@me-cq7wv]

I think RR was the last good president the US had.

[@ozarkpipertony8396]

I pray for another individual like Mr. Reagan to be in office after this next election and a return to old school humility, honor, integrity, congruence and character.

[@billyjonesy2972]

At 2:30, President Reagan gave the Medal of Honor to Master Sergeant Roy Benevidez. I just watched a great video about him. The Real Rambo - Roy Benevidez - The Green Beret That Took On An Army With Just A Knife kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHvIepiNbrx3qqM 45 minutes. The Fat Electrician, 6/23/24. This is the greatest story of personal toughness I ever heard. Watch Roy Benevidez speaking at the end.

[@jonboxleitner7354]

USMC, 1983-1986. What a great time to be in the military. What a great commander in chief Reagan was. We were respected in the world and in our homeland. We had the green light to be great.

[@TVaughan667]

I served in the US Navy during both of President Reagan's administrations. It was a great time to serve; he led from the front.

[@sjp35productions6]

I was in basic training on election night. We were allowed to watch the returns on the day room tv. I was glad that Pres. Reagan won in a landslide. That night set the tone for the next 8 years of my career. It was a great period to be 20-something. I always felt safe and secure knowing he kept the SU in check even when I was in Europe. I was sad when it ended because of the uncertainty of the future once GB was elected. We know what’s happened since. I took an early-out in ‘93 as a number of factors conspired to sour me on continued service. President Reagan was the man needed for the time and we were fortunate to have him.

[@iceman1036]

I was a young Marine 79-87. President Reagan was almost like a second father to us. I saw the transformation of the military firsthand. Thank you and God bless you Mr. President.

[@JoseRodriguez-ih1qb]

Thank you for this testimony. President Reagan was one of the most influential people of his time.

[@D.E..]

One of the best we've ever had.

[@danodamano2581]

He was in uniform during ww2. It should be a requirement for any commander in cheif who could potentially send this country's youth in harm's way to have been one.

[@FINALLYOUTAFTER7]

I wear boots. WE NEED HIM BACK.

[@georgeclarke9344]

The Reagan years were great for those of us in the military at that time, I remember them clearly.

[@stevenfarmer2660]

The greatest president of the 20th century!

[@rogue___tr00per24]

Thank you for sharing your stories. So the politicians messed up Vietnam, and the military paid the price there, and at home, absolutely shameful, thank goodness Reagan came along, it essentially gave them the kickstart they needed to be where they are today.

[@scott5106]

The Reagan years were not just great for the military they were great for our country.

[@Perseverance777]

While serving, I never met anyone, who didn't respect or admire, our Commander-in-Chief. (U.S.Army veteran)

[@B25gunship]

K.T. McFarland. One of the brightest and most intelligent voices in Washinton D.C.

[@andreklos5121]

Beautiful!!! What great man!

[@BaffinSailor]

I wished I could have met President Reagan when he was alive. I remember him being the President as a child and he passed away when I was still active duty in the Navy. The man is missed tremendously.

[@bodidley5015]

Joined Marines in 1987, toward end of Reagan’s tenure while Soviet Union was on its last legs. Had seen the Iran hostage crisis and debacle of Operation Eagle Claw in 1980, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the British war in the Falklands, the bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut in 1983, and Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada just days after. All those things cemented the deal for me.

[@G503-e8p]

I love K.T. and Reagan was arguably the best president we had going back to Lincoln.

[@simonhellier7281]

Fascinating. What a lovely lady recounting her working with a great President.

[@RJS1966USMC]

I was in boot camp during the 1984 election and cast my FIRST EVER vote by absentee ballot at age 18. He was my favorite Commander In Chief.

[@JD-HatCreekCattleCo]

My father was assigned to the Pentagon when the uniforms were removed. He thought that was the worst idea possible. He retired shortly afterwards. I was at Camp David in 1986, providing protection (I was a federal agent) and the literal love the military had for Reagan was inspiring.

[@Tom-h3c1c]

PRESIDENT REAGAN WANTED THEM TO KNOW THAT THEY HAD OU FULL SUPPORT

[@n2wb100]

Real Pres, we need him again

[@Tom-h3c1c]

THEY WERE FINALLY GETTING THE RECORDNITION THAT THEY ALL GREATLY DESEDVED AND WERE DEPRIVE OF FOR SO LONG

[@ΑθανάσιοςΜανουσάκης-β2σ]

Eternal the memory president Ronald Reagan 🙏 Helpful from Thessaloniki- Greece 🇬🇷

[@joeviking61]

The Man changed the World, through the sheer force of his will.

[@billborn7363]

Wow, what a great behind the scenes story.

[@maulrat588]

The Medal of Honor is no mere "award"

[@allysondoerfler8688]

I still miss him.

[@jeffreyadams5833]

I like it

[@David-nx2vm]

I began serving in the military during Jimmy Carter’s presidency. We were short on everything except excuses - short on training ammo, fuel for vehicles, cold weather gear, funds for building maintenance, you name it. When President Reagan took office, everything changed. Not overnight but change it did, and it was palpable. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum and Library loops several videos that highlight his presidency. I recorded them with my cell phone and watch them regularly to remind me of when things made sense.

[@johnnotrealname8168]

Wonderful piece of history. Knowing he sayed these things in relatively private settings shows his convictions.

[@floundergearjam]

My fondest memories of President Reagan are two instances where our country was reeling over a tragedy. The first was the bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut, Lebanon where we lost 240 outstanding Marines. After the incident, there were law makers looking to place the blame for the incident. Reagan brought that to an abrupt end by saying, "The responsibility for this disaster lies with this office and this President. The second incident was the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger. He gave a speech that day that came from the heart and helped a country heal. Thanks Gipper.

[@greenzonebees]

I served during his presidency, he was not only Commander-in-Chief, he was truly a World Leader. Overseas during that time we were respected because of him, and we were feared because of him. Those were my glory days in the Corps. At 2:16 is Sgt. John Gackle with President Reagan, I served with him in the early nineties when he was a 1st Lt.

[@b212hp]

I went into the Army in 1977 (under Carter) and we couldn't get anything. While I was stationed at Camp Casey, ROK in '79 a Marine UH-1N flew in with a cracked greenhouse (the windows above the pilot's heads). They wanted to know if they could borrow some safety wire to wire up the crack to keep it from getting worse. Our maintenance officer said he thought we had a spare greenhouse and sent one of the mechs off to get it. The Marine lieutenant said, "you can get greenhouses?" I thought, "you can't get safety wire?" It really was that bad. It seemed like the day after Reagan's inauguration we started to see the purse strings loosen up.

[@4rnnr_as]

I shared a Reagan speech ("Peace Through Strength") video with my recruiter a few years ago when I was going through the process of joining. We had a good rapport and while I was wary of recruiters, I liked the guy. He was an iraq war vet, 2008-2017. We never discussed politics or anything though. But he summed it up perfectly with 5 words: "There'll never be another Reagan." Have a great Independence Day and I can't wait to see Dennis Quaid's "Reagan" movie. They picked the right man for the job!

[@zebcherry]

President Reagan was a Great man and leader! The very first time I voted was for President Reagan!!! 🇺🇲

[@Blend-24]

My brother had serve in the US Navy during the Vietnam conflict and he had re-inlisted in the Navy after serving in the National guard. I was able to see President Ronald Reagan give a speech at the recommisioning of a Battle ship. 1st and only US president I’ve ever seen in person and yes, I WAS IMPRESSED

[@billisaacs702]

I was a member of the military at that time, and Reagan was loved by us for the same reason that Trump is now loved by the working men and women in America.

[@jeffw5263]

Yep, I enlisted in 1983 and left the military when I realized who was going to George H. W. Bush’s successor. The Reagan presidency was one of the best times to be in the US military.

[@williamsoileau1802]

President Reagan was another Teddy Roosevelt Sr.,both were the best ever.

[@davepattyhornick]

I remember back in 1980, serving in the PA Army National Guard, after Reagan was elected we started receiving all new equipment.

[@Adv4U]

Donald Trump could learn a lot from President Reagan

[@justonemori]

Esprit de corps was higher during Reagan's days.

[@ramman5784]

I was in at that time. She is correct about pay being so bad. I knew many of Airman who needed food stamps to survive.

[@rinofrancisco8752]

I am Filipino and President Reagan is the greatest statesman and commander in chief of my lifetime.

[@tommcclelland119]

Hey KT!!! I was honored to meet President Regan in 1986. I had been out of the Navy since 1977, and I had a Veteran hat one. He was such a great leader. Loved that President. MAGA!!!

[@JuanCastro-fr3bu]

AMERICA: Reagan Country!

[@royhi1809]

MY PRESIDENT! (USAF, S.A.C.: 1983-87)

[@jasong9774]

I was too young to really have an informed opinion on President Reagan while in office but certainly saw some of the amazing things he said and did. I recall him being tough but fair, firm but flexible, and he understood people are people. He wasn't snarky, disrespectful, or dishonest. He was a great leader and didn't seem all that focused on himself, but I wasn't sure what that really meant. As the years went by and I revisited policies, stories of his interactions with everyday people and world leaders, and what even our adversaries thought of him and it became clear he lived and behaved with dignity and respect, not childish buffoonery to impress weak, impressionable people looking for their next idol to worship. He was a respectful person thus he respected others. I know of only a few people in media or elected officials, such as Rand Paul, that embody that statesman and patriot character today. Selfish childishness is the circus arena today. We need fewer angry, drunken fratboy shock jocks and more strong statesmen. Our form of government requires us, the citizen statesmen to set that bar and vote with our dollars, comments, and of course at the polls. Stop blaming others for the state of our country if you have refused to rise above the petty, self aggrandizing. Each of us must do our part.

[@stephencastello6553]

I served under President Reagan all 4 years of his second term. If he had been able to have a third term, we wouldn't have deployed to Iraq in 1991. Just my honest opinion. He was one of a kind.

[@DanielMasmanian]

Beautiful. Thank you

[@AppalachianAsain]

This is an awesome commentary 🇺🇸

[@marshabaker6153]

Dang is so NICE to hear something GOOD for a change about our country and our President, albeit, Former but still a President. SOMETHING GOOD!!!!!!!!!!! Reagan was a good President!

[@remaguire]

I joined the USN in 1980 and served as a Russian linguist for the first 12 years of my career. Even though I spent another 13 years in the Navy, I will always characterize my service as one of “Reagan’s Cold Warriors”. I’m proud to have served on the tip of the spear under Reagan.

[@russellbyrd6089]

What's with all the facial hair on the Army guys at the 2:06 mark? I was in the USAF at the same time and no one was allowed to have a beard, unless you had Pseudofolliculitis Barbae.

[@Thepriest39]

The world respect the United States and our military power back then.

[@ashleesue]

I worked with a guy who's brother was a Marine and involved w/guarding Reagan etc.

[@scottandersen420]

Such a rest President! May I say you don’t look any older than you did back then, awesome.

[@Tiah-mm8lp]

"Okay fellas, no barrel rolls", he actually said that to the pilots of Marine 1, 😂

[@rjabja]

Air force vet here..served under Reagan..best time then..we had a mission.

[@vaticiniovisionario2643]

Mr. Gorbatchov, tear down this wall!

[@silvertrek357]

I miss that man, the first president for whom I cast a vote. I was so proud that day.

[@BassFever4Ever]

I miss Reagan! And K.T. is a joy to listen to!

[@johnscreekmark]

Trump would do well to emulate Raegan.

[@danielamare8280]

The first woman Air Force graduates can only be a moral women just like the moral men before. GHU JW

[@Frogman125]

It's called class. Been a while.

[@justbecause9645]

Great on TV but he ruined our future.

[@OarsmanPower]

Leadership defined.

[@lorriemamoet9406]

Katty for president

[@neilmurray6943]

Voted for him twice. Have never voted for Trump and never will. I am a Veteran.

[@joeharris3878]

Reagan was a likeable figure , an entertaining speaker, but a lousy president, like all other US presidents except Wm H Harrison .

[@EverettDenny-rd7ed]

ONE...of America's Greatest President's in History...and a Member of America's Greatest Generation....who Served IN UNIFORM...and understood THE COST OF FREEDOM AND THE INVESTMENT REQUIRED FOR DEMOCRACY!! Reagan's nearest Peer....was Harry S. Truman!

[@donalddodson7365]

For 26 years, 1970 to 1996, I rarely divulged that I was an "in-country" Vietnam Veteran. It is nice to hear of President Reagan's acknowledgement. 🫡