    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 47 (Monday, December 1, 2008)]
    [Pages 1453-1456]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    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 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

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    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.
        * White House correction.
        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.
        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

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    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 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.

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    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; S. Sgt. Joshua Forbess, USA, President's Volunteer
    Service Award recipient, 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.