Iraq drawdown marks presidential visit

Photo By Lt. Col. Deanna Bague | The president was only able to make a short visit before leaving to make a speech addressing the nation. He told the gathered troops, “There’s still a lot of work that we’ve got to do to make sure that Iraq is an effective partner with us. But the fact of the matter is that because of the extraordinary service that all of you have done, and so many people here at Fort Bliss have done, Iraq has an opportunity to create a better future for itself, and America is more secure.”  

FORT BLISS, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

08.31.2010

Story by Lt. Col. Deanna Bague 

Fort Bliss Public Affairs Office

FORT BLISS, Texas – President Barack Obama visited soldiers here Aug. 31 – the date that marked the end of combat operations in Iraq.

“I wanted to come to Fort Bliss mainly to say thank you and to say welcome home,” said Obama.
Since the start of combat operations in 2003, more than 200,000 service members have deployed or redeployed through Ft. Bliss. This figure includes active duty, Reserve and National Guard troops.

Maj. Gen. Dana J. H. Pittard, Fort Bliss commanding general, said Obama visited the fastest-growing post in the Army today.

“Ft. Bliss right now is kind of considered the future of the Army in that we are going through the largest expansion of any military post since World War II,” said Pittard. “We as a country invested $7 billion in the growth of Ft. Bliss.”

The president praised the troops for their dedication and remembered the 51 Ft. Bliss soldiers who died from wounds received in combat or from noncombat-related incidents. He told the troops the task in Iraq is not yet complete.

“Our combat phase is over,” said Obama. “But we’ve worked too hard to neglect the continuing work that has to be done by our civilians and by those transitional forces – including some folks who are going to be deploying today. The work that continues is absolutely critical.”

Iraq is now in a transitional phase, said Obama. This stage could not have been accomplished without the men and women at Ft. Bliss and across the country, added Obama.

Pittard, who has deployed several times to Iraq, said he concurs with the commander-in-chief.

“To say that it’s winding down is tough wording because it’s not over yet,” said Pittard. “We’re going through another transition – and the transition is for advising and assisting Iraqi units – but it’s not over yet.”

Obama warned the troops about the challenges of Afghanistan. He vowed not to let another incident like 9/11 occur again and called upon the soldiers to support him and the American public in continuing to keep the country safe.

“The one thing that I know from all of you is that when we put our minds to it we get things done,” said Obama. “And we’re willing to make some sacrifices on behalf of our security here at home. So to all of you and to your families, I want to express my deepest gratitude – the gratitude of Michelle, the first lady, and of our entire family. But also, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the country because without you we couldn’t enjoy the freedoms and the security that are so precious. And all of you represent that long line of heroes that have served us so well generation after generation.”

Soldiers said they were encouraged by the president’s words.

“I [felt] very appreciated,” said Spc. Lucas Strozak of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. “I feel that my work is not going [unnoticed]. I was very honored for him to come by and thank the soldiers and everyone who’s doing their part.”

• Date Taken: 08.31.2010
• Date Posted: 09.01.2010 12:32
• Story ID: 55543
• Location: FORT BLISS, TEXAS, US