Mark Welsh is a retired Air Force general and former Air Force chief of staff. On his website, Welsh shares his heartfelt condolences to anyone who has lost friends or loved ones to the violence. Welsh also says he will do everything in his power to ensure A&M remains a safe place for people of all beliefs to live, work, and learn. He says peace ultimately starts with each one of us, and its foundation is the respect he believes is the birthright of every human being. Welsh says to make sure that every member of the Aggie family feels that respect each and every day.