Let's make this birthday one to remember.

81 years old (Born on September 25, 1943)

Happy Birthday, Bob Gates! From masterfully navigating the corridors of Langley as the 15th Director of Central Intelligence to steering the Pentagon through turbulent waters as arguably the best Secretary of Defense since World War II, you've certainly earned your stripes. Not to mention your impressive tenure at Texas A&M—proving you can handle Aggies just as skillfully as generals and spies!

Here's wishing you a birthday filled with fewer classified briefings and more cake-filled celebrations. May your day be free from budget hearings, intelligence leaks, or surprise campus protests—just relaxation and laughter. Cheers to another year of legendary leadership!