Photo By 1st Sgt. Brent Williams | The Secretary of Defense Hon. Donald H. Rumsfeld met with Brig. Gen. Mohammed Wassif,...... read more read more
BAGHDAD - The Honorable Donald Rumsfeld, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, visited Iraqi and Multi-National Division " Baghdad Soldiers, making an impromptu appearance at the Iraqi army's Forward Operating Base Honor and MND-B's FOB Prosperity.
The tour provided Rumsfeld an opportunity to observe the soldiers of the 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, as they trained on infantry tactics and first-aid procedures.
While visiting with Maj. Gen. J. D. Thurman, commanding general, MND-B, Rumsfeld also took advantage of an opportunity to observe U.S. forces training Iraqi soldiers.
"They are increasing in their capabilities every day. This is an exciting time to be here with the new permanent government of Iraq. They are making impressive progress," said Rumsfeld.
"It was monumental to have the Honorable Mr. Rumsfeld here today to observe our Iraqi partner brigade honing their battle skills and to meet and eat with the fine Soldiers of the 4th BCT," said Col. Michael Beech, commander, 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
Rumsfeld also took the time to visit with Soldiers from 4th BCT and to partake in a special luncheon at the King Cobra Dinning Facility at FOB Prosperity.
Command Sgt. Maj. John Moody, Jr., 4th BCT, hosted the luncheon for the brigade, allowing each of the battalions to select Soldiers to attend the special occasion.
"It is good for the Soldiers to see someone from Washington come down to show them that they appreciate what we do on a day-to-day basis here in Iraq," Moody said.
Upon finishing his lunch with the Soldiers, who serve in south and central Baghdad, the Secretary of Defense energetically made his way from table to table, joining the variety of Soldiers, shaking their hands, posing for photographs and listening to their concerns. This time, he would ask the questions.
"How are you? Where are you from? What do you do?" he individually asked the more than 60 Soldiers, who joined him for lunch.
"It was interesting, very interesting," said Pfc. Allah Johnson, a fuel specialist with Company C, 704th Support Battalion, a 22-year old Detroit native. "I got a chance to see someone that you don't usually see as a Soldier because we are out here doing our job."
For 1st Lt. Casey Newell, platoon leader, Company A, 704th Spt. Bn., having the Secretary of Defense visit was an incredible boost to morale.
"It's important to know that the people who are making the policies stand behind what they are trying to do " to know that they are pushing through with us, that they support us," said Newell, a graduate of Illinois State University.
Newell said that a visit from a dignitary like Rumsfeld reminds the Soldiers that they are all fighting for the same cause.
"It's nice to know that the leadership is behind us," he said.
| Date Taken: | 04.28.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 04.28.2006 10:45 |
| Story ID: | 6158 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 60 |
| Downloads: | 14 |
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