[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2008, Book II)]
[November 25, 2008]
[Pages 1393-1396]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]
Remarks to the Community at Fort Campbell, Kentucky
November 25, 2008
The President. Thank you. Please be seated; unless, of course, you
don't have a seat. [Laughter] I am honored to be here at Fort Campbell.
I'm honored to be with the
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Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne, the Night Stalkers of the 160th,
the Green Berets of the 5th Special Forces Group, all members of the
Fort Campbell community. You are part of the finest military in the
world. I have one word for you: Hooah!
I also bring greetings from another man named Bush, America's only skydiving President. [Laughter] He said,
``Pass on these two words: Air assault!''
In recent weeks, this post has been the scene of heartwarming family
reunions. Many of you recently finished deployments to Iraq. You
performed with courage and distinction on the frontlines of the war on
terror. You have returned on success. On behalf of a grateful nation,
I'm proud to welcome home the Bastogne Brigade, the Strike Brigade, the
Rakkasan Brigade--[applause]. Job well done.
I want to thank General Townsend for
his service. I'm proud to be with his wife Melissa. I thank General Schloesser's wife Patty. I appreciate
Maria McConville. I want to thank Theresa
Vail. These women represent the military
families who have sacrificed just like our military has. On behalf of an
incredibly grateful nation, I extend our heartfelt thanks and our
respect to the military families here on Fort Campbell.
I thank Governor Beshear, who is with
us, the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. I want to thank the
two Congress folks that represent this important base: Congressman
Ed Whitfield from Kentucky, Congressman Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee.
I also want to thank Congressman Zach Wamp
from Tennessee, as well, for joining us.
I appreciate all the local and State officials who are here today. I
particularly want to point out one person, Staff Sergeant John [Joshua]*
Forbess. I had the honor of meeting John
[Joshua]* at the base of Air Force One. He was severely wounded in a
helicopter crash in Iraq in 2003. Yet, despite his wounds, he volunteers
in the Fisher House.
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*White House correction.
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I'm proud of those of you who not only serve our Nation by wearing a
fabulous uniform, but serve our Nation by feeding the hungry and
providing home--houses for the homeless, for loving your neighbor just
like you like to be yourself, just like Sergeant Forbess has done.
I want to thank very much those who made this event work--happen. I
mean, it's not easy to host the President. [Laughter] Thanks for coming
out.
You know, we're getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving. I'm looking
forward to it. The day before my first Thanksgiving as your President,
guess where I was?
Audience member. Right here!
The President. Right here at Fort Campbell. For those of you who
weren't here, I can only say that watching a bunch of Screaming Eagles
tear into turkey is quite a sight. [Laughter]
That Thanksgiving came shortly after the worst terrorist attack in
our Nation's history. The war in Afghanistan had just begun; the
Rakkasans were the first conventional brigade to join the battle. That
November day, I said, ``Once again, you have a `Rendezvous with
Destiny.''' And today, there is no doubt that you have upheld this
motto, you have done your duty, and you have defended the United States
of America.
Over the past 7 years, folks from this base have done exactly what
they were trained to do. The Screaming Eagles, the Night Stalkers, the
5th Special Forces Group have gone on the offense in the war against
these killers and thugs. You have taken the battle of the terrorists
overseas so we do not have to face them here in the United States. You
have helped counter the hateful ideology of tyranny and terror with a
more hopeful vision of justice and liberty. You're part of the great
ideological struggle of our time. With the soldiers of Fort Campbell out
front, the forces of freedom and liberty will prevail.
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The war on terror, the war against people who would do us harm
again, is being waged on two main fronts: Afghanistan and Iraq. In
Afghanistan, we removed an oppressive regime that harbored the
terrorists who planned the attacks that killed 3,000 folks on September
the 11th, 2001. Because of our men and women in uniform, more than 25
million Afghans are free. Afghanistan is a democracy, an ally in the war
on terror. And as a result of your courage, the American people are
safer.
In the recent weeks, the members of the Thunder Brigade have begun
deploying to Afghanistan for a new mission. You will replace the Wings
of Destiny Brigade and join a powerful coalition of forces, including
the Currahees, members of the LifeLiners. You'll join Major General
Schloesser and his Division
Headquarters. Together, you will help the people of Afghanistan defend
their young democracy. Together, you will ensure that a noble goal is
achieved, that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for those
who want to plot and kill American citizens.
The other main front in the war on terror is Iraq. In that country,
we removed a dictator who murdered his own people, paid the family of
suicide bombers, who threatened America's security. As the regime
crumbled, the dictator's sons tried to run and hide. They could not hide
from the United States military. They met their fate in Mosul at the
hands of the Screaming Eagles.
Because we acted, the dictator, his sons, and their regime are no
more. More than 25 million Iraqis are free. And a young democracy has
taken root where a tyrant once ruled. Removing Saddam Hussein was the
right decision then, and it is the right decision today.
With Saddam gone from power, our mission turned to helping the Iraqi
people defend their freedom against violent extremists, including Al
Qaida. In 2006, our efforts were faltering, so I reviewed our strategy
and changed course. Instead of retreating, I ordered more troops into
Iraq. And to lead the surge, I chose a former commanding general of the
101st Airborne, the man formerly known as
Eagle Six, General David Petraeus.
Our troops conducted this surge with resolve and with valor, and
nobody knows the impact better than the Screaming Eagles. When the
Bastogne Brigade deployed to Salah ad Din last year, the Province was
still struggling to recover from the bombing of the famous Golden
Mosque. But you partnered with the Iraqis to restore security. Schools
and businesses are now open. The Golden Mosque is being rebuilt.
Throughout the Province, hope is returning; the terrorists are being
driven out. The Iraqi people have the Screaming Eagles to thank.
Across Iraq, the surge has produced similar results. Since the surge
began, violence and sectarian killings have fallen dramatically. Iraqi
security forces have taken responsibility for 13 out of Iraq's 18
Provinces. Slowly but steadily, economic and political progress is
taking place. Iraqis are working together for a more hopeful future.
As conditions on the ground continue to improve, we will further
reduce American combat forces in Iraq; it's a strategy I call return on
success. So far, we've brought home a Marine expeditionary unit, two
Marine battalions, six Army brigades without replacement, including the
Rakkasans. And by the end of January, we'll have brought home more than
4,000 additional troops.
As conditions on the ground continue to improve, we're also making
progress toward completing a strategic framework agreement and a
security agreement with the Iraqi Government. These landmark agreements
will pave the way for a future of economic and diplomatic and military
cooperation between our two countries. Iraqi lawmakers in Baghdad are
now debating these agreements through the democratic process. It's a
good sign that Iraq has become a strong and vigorous democracy, and it's
a testament to the success of our men
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and women in uniform. The war in Iraq is not over, but we're drawing
closer to the day when our troops can come home. And when they come
home, they will come home in victory.
The work you have done and are going to do is historical work. See,
the consequences of success in Iraq will resonate far beyond that
country's borders and will resonate when your children and grandchildren
begin to study the history of peace. Success will frustrate Iran's
ambitions to dominate the region. Success will show millions across the
Middle East that a future of liberty and democracy is possible. Success
will deny Al Qaida a safe haven for launching new attacks. Success in
Iraq will mean that the American people are more secure at home.
In Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond, our men and women in uniform have
done everything we have asked of them and more. You've earned the thanks
of every American.
You know, this is going to be my last Thanksgiving as President.
Sometimes I am asked what I will miss most about the job. Well, above
all, I'm going to miss spending time with men and women who have
volunteered to serve the United States of America, the fine men and
women who wear the uniform. We are blessed to have defenders of such
character and courage. I'm grateful to the families who serve by your
side. And I will always be thankful for the honor of having served as
the Commander in Chief.
So Laura and I wish you and your families a
safe and happy Thanksgiving. We join you in praying for our troops
spending the holiday far from home. We pray for those who've been
wounded in battle and for all who love and care for them. We hold in our
thoughts and prayers the brave men and women who have given their lives
and the families who mourn for them. We ask the Almighty to watch over
everyone who puts on the uniform and has volunteered to serve this great
land.
It's an honor to be with you today. May God bless you, and may God
continue to bless the United States of America.
Note: The President spoke at 11:13 a.m. In his remarks, he referred to
Brig. Gen. Stephen Townsend, USA, deputy commanding general (rear),
101st Airborne Division, and his wife Melissa; Patty Schloesser, wife of
Maj. Gen. Jeffrey J. Schloesser, USA, commanding general, 101st Airborne
Division; Maria McConville, wife of Brig. Gen. James C. McConville, USA,
deputy commanding general (support), 101st Airborne Division; Theresa
Vail, wife of Col. Thomas Vail, chief of staff, 101st Airborne Division;
Gov. Steven L. Beshear of Kentucky; S. Sgt. Joshua Forbess, USA,
President's Volunteer Service Award recipient on November 25; and Gen.
David H. Petraeus, USA, commander, U.S. Central Command. The Office of
the Press Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of these
remarks.