[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.