    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book I)]
    [June 17, 2008]
    [Pages 837-838]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Briefing on the Security Situation in Afghanistan
    June 17, 2008

        The President. It's been my privilege to have served with two really
    fine Americans, General Dan McNeill and
    Maureen McNeill. I've gotten to know the
    General well. He's a tough, no-nonsense patriot who was our commander in
    Afghanistan. I want to thank you very much for the briefing

    [[Page 838]]

    you just gave me about the issues that we face, your optimism about
    success.
        I was telling the Secretary and the
    General, I just--about my trip to Europe,
    where I was pleased with the strong commitments of our allies to helping
    us succeed in Afghanistan. They know that what happens in Afghanistan
    matters to their own internal security.
        They fully understand as well that helping young girls go to school
    and helping moms raise their babies in a--you know, in a better
    environment, helping rebuild this society after years of tyranny is in
    all our interests. And it's also a moral duty we have.
        And so I'm pleased, Mr. Secretary, that
    your hard work in working with the allies is paying off.
        And, General, I know you're moving on,
    but the country thanks you for what you did. The world is better off
    because of your service. I'm proud to have you here.
        Gen. Dan K. McNeill. Thank you, Mr.
    President.
        The President. Yes, sir. Thank you.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:44 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Gen. Dan K. McNeill, USA, former
    commander, NATO International Security Assistance Force, Afghanistan,
    and his wife Maureen; and Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates.