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GW Bush visits our military at Fort Campbell (photos)
yahoo ^ | march 19 2004 | yahoo

Posted on 03/18/2004 3:31:50 PM PST by dennisw

President Bush is greeted by Maj. Gen. David H. Petraeus, right, upon his arrival at Fort Campbell Army Base in Fort Campbell, Ky., Thursday, March 18, 2004. (AP Photo/John Russell)
Thu Mar 18, 1:23 PM ET
AP

President Bush (news - web sites) is greeted by Maj. Gen. David H. Petraeus, right, upon his arrival at Fort Campbell Army Base in Fort Campbell, Ky., Thursday, March 18, 2004. (AP Photo/John Russell)

TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Government; US: Kentucky; US: Tennessee; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: 101stairborne; bush43; cic; fortcampbell; gratefulnation; pictures; transcript

1 posted on 03/18/2004 3:31:50 PM PST by dennisw
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To: dennisw

2 posted on 03/18/2004 3:33:27 PM PST by dennisw (“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”)
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To: dennisw
U.S. President George W. Bush bows his head in prayer amid soldiers at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, March 18, 2004. Bush spoke to the soldiers and ate lunch with them as the anniversary of the start the war against Iraq draws near. REUTERS/Jason Reed
Thu Mar 18, 3:01 PM ET
Reuters

U.S. President George W. Bush (news - web sites) bows his head in prayer amid soldiers at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, March 18, 2004. Bush spoke to the soldiers and ate lunch with them as the anniversary of the start the war against Iraq (news - web sites) draws near. REUTERS/Jason Reed

3 posted on 03/18/2004 3:34:25 PM PST by dennisw (“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”)
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To: dennisw
Bush's Speech at Fort Campbell

Published: March 18, 2004


The following is the text of the speech by President George W. Bush's speech at Fort Campbell in Kentucky as transcribed by FDCH e-Media, Inc.

I'm glad to be back. (APPLAUSE) Thanks for having me. Thanks for inviting Laura. (APPLAUSE) I am proud to be here once again with the Screaming Eagles of the 101st. (APPLAUSE) With the Green Berets of the 5th Special Forces Group. (APPLAUSE) And with the Night Stalkers. (APPLAUSE) Many of you have seen action in the global war on terror. Some of you just returned to Fort Campbell from your deployments. Thank you for a job well done. Welcome home. (APPLAUSE) Laura and I are honored to be with all the personnel at Fort Campbell and with all the family members who live here.


George W. Bush Delivers Remarks To Troops xfdtr BUSH-FORT-CAMPBELL-KY 1stadd XXX who live here.BUSH: Each one of you serves our nation by giving your love and support to our soldiers. Here at one of America's vital military bases, you've built a strong community of people who care about each other and share the challenges and rewards of Army life. America's grateful. America is proud of our military families. (APPLAUSE) All who serve at Fort Campbell and all who wear the uniform of the United States are serving at a crucial hour in the history of freedom. In the first war of the 21st century, you're defending your fellow citizens against ruthless enemies. And by your sacrifice, you're making our country more secure. (APPLAUSE) You have delivered justice to many terrorists, and you're keeping the rest of them on the run. You've helped to remove two of the most violent regimes on earth. With daring and skill and honor, you've held true to the special forces motto: To liberate the oppressed. (APPLAUSE) America's indebted to you.

We're also indebted to the men and women of the National Guard and the reserves who are serving abroad, and those called up for homeland security assignments. Hundreds of Guard and reserve units across America have been activated in this time of war. These fine citizens and their families and their employers have put duty first, and our nation is grateful to them as well. (APPLAUSE) We got a lot of veterans with us today, veterans who have served our armed forces worldwide and who now live near Fort Campbell. Thank you for the great example you've set for today's soldiers. Thank you for your service to our nation. I want to thank General Petraeus for being such a strong leader and a good man. (APPLAUSE) I want to thank General Ellis for being with us today. Oh, I forgot. I want to thank Holly (ph) Petraeus as well. (APPLAUSE) She deeply cares about the men and women from this base. It's clear when you talk to her, she's got a lot of love in her heart. General Ellis is with us, commanding general of the U.S. Armed Forces Command. General Ellis, thank you for being here. Today I traveled down from Washington with two members of the United States Congress who care a lot about the people stationed at Fort Campbell and who live around the Fort Campbell area; that would be Congressman Ed Whitfield from Kentucky, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee. Thank you all for coming. (APPLAUSE) Laura and I regret the fact that we didn't get here in time for the entertainment.

We want to thank Lane Brody (ph) and Mark Wills (ph) and Darrel Wooley (ph) and Jackie Velasquez (ph) for your work, your care and your support of the United States military. (APPLAUSE) I have the privilege of saying hello to a fellow named Billy Colwell (ph). Billy (ph) has, by the way, served for 20 years in the 101st. He's served our nation, doing two tours of duty in Vietnam. You're probably wondering why I'm bringing up Billy (ph). Well, I'll tell you why. A lot of times people say, well, America's strong because of our military. And that's one reason we're strong. And, by the way, we're going to keep our military strong. (APPLAUSE) Or they say, well, we're strong because we've got a great economy, and the economy is strong and it's getting stronger. But the true reason we're strong is because of the hearts and souls of the American people. That's why we're strong. We're a compassionate, decent country, where neighbors care for neighbors. Billy (ph) volunteers at the Fort Campbell YMCA. He takes time out of his life to help junior enlisted officers, or people who are getting deployed. Billy's (ph) there to help welcome people home, and to wish people well as they leave. Billy takes time out of his life to love a neighbor, just like you'd like to be loved yourself. No, the strength of this country is the fact that we've got citizens from all walks of life who care deeply about our fellow citizens. Billy (ph), thank you for your service. Thank you for what you do. (APPLAUSE) Fort Campbell was the first Army post I visited in the weeks after our country was attacked.

It was around Thanksgiving. I will never forget eating turkey with the Screaming Eagles. I remember telling you, the men and women of Fort Campbell, that you had once again had a rendezvous with destiny. That's what I said when I was here last. And when the orders came, you carried out your missions. You made history once again. Since we last met, you deployed over 5,000 vehicles, 254 aircraft and 18,000 soldiers in Kuwait in the fastest deployment in the history of the 101st. (APPLAUSE) Since we last met, the 101st liberated the cities of Najaf, Karbala and Hillah. You secured southern Baghdad and sent 1,600 soldiers by helicopter to Mosul in the longest air assault in military history. (APPLAUSE) Since we last met, the sons of the dictator went into hiding until they were found and dealt with by the 101st and special operations. (APPLAUSE) Since we last met, soldiers from Fort Campbell have helped to organize the first truly free local election in Iraq in 30 years. (APPLAUSE) Since we last met, you helped to build medical clinics and to rebuild schools. By your decency and compassion, you are helping the Iraqi people to reclaim their country.

Because you care, you're helping the Iraqis live as free people. (APPLAUSE) One year ago tomorrow, the armed forces of the United States entered Iraq to end the regime of Saddam Hussein. After his years of defiance, we gave the dictator one final chance. He refused. And so in one year's time, Saddam Hussein has gone from a palace, to a bunker, to a spider hole, to jail. (APPLAUSE) Because America and our allies acted, one of the most evil, brutal regimes in history is gone forever. The dictator of Iraq committed many atrocities, and he had many more in mind. This was a regime that tortured children in front of their parents. This was a regime that used chemical weapons against whole villages. This was a country in which millions of people lived in fear and many thousands disappeared into mass graves. That was the life in Iraq for more than a generation, until the Americans arrived. Because America and our allies acted, a state sponsor of terror was put out of business. The Iraqi regime gave cash rewards to the families of suicide bombers and sheltered terrorist groups.

But all that's over. When Saddam Hussein went down, the terrorists lost an ally forever. (APPLAUSE) Because America and her allies acted, an aggressive threat to the security of the Middle East, and to the peace of the world, is now gone. September the 11th, 2001, taught a lesson I will never forget: America must confront threats before they fully materialize. In Iraq, my administration looked at the intelligence information -- and we saw a threat. Members of Congress looked at the intelligence -- and they saw a threat. The United Nations Security Council looked at the intelligence -- and it saw a threat. I had a choice to make: either to take the word of a madman or take such threats seriously and defend America. Faced with that choice, I will defend America every time. (APPLAUSE) Because America and our allies acted, it is clear to everyone: When America makes a pledge, we keep our word. By speaking clearly, by speaking consistently, and by meaning what we say, it is more likely the world will be more peaceful. Because America and our allies acted, all the world is now seeing democracy rising in the heart of the Middle East. A year ago Iraq was ruled by the whims of one cruel man. Today, Iraq has a new interim law that guarantees basic rights for all, freedom of religion, the right to cast a secret ballot and equality under the law. And these historic changes are sending a message across the region from Damascus to Tehran; freedom is the future of every nation.

The Iraqi people are achieving great things and serving and sacrificing for their own future. Today, more than 200,000 Iraqis, including 78,000 new police, are protecting their fellow citizens. They're building a country that is strong and free, and America is proud to stand with them. All over Iraq today, as that nation moves closer to self- government, Iraqis can be certain that in the United States of America they have a faithful friend. And in our military they're seeing the good heart of America. They see people like Pfc. Amanda Thompson-Cummings (ph), who volunteered to serve in Iraq. She's an Army cook, who also works on security patrol. She said this to a reporter: They know I can shoot. I'm one of the best in my battalion. But hey, I'm a redneck, what do you expect? (APPLAUSE) Those are her words, not mine. (LAUGHTER) This soldier also describes how the children of Iraq look at her, especially the young girls. As Amanda (ph) puts it, When those girls look at a female soldier they think, 'Maybe I can be something, too.' Pfc. Cummings (ph) says, We made a difference in their lives. And their faces, when they looked at us, that made it all worthwhile right there. Soldiers of Fort Campbell, every one of you is making a difference. You've seen hard duty, and the defense of freedom is always worth it. Because of your service, because of your bravery, because of your dedication, the world is better off and the American people are more secure.

BUSH: You have done your duty. America owes those who do their duty -- our military -- our gratitude. We owe you more than gratitude. We also owe you the material support you need to do your job. As commander in chief, I've been proud to sign into law three pay increases for the military. (APPLAUSE) You deserved every one. We've increased support for base housing in schools. We have a duty in Washington, D.C., to make sure our families are taken care of. Our military has had strong supporters in the House and the Senate. I want to thank the Congress for standing up. I want to thank every member of Congress who voted in favor of the $87 billion supplemental that is meeting the needs of our troops in the field right now. When your government gives you a mission, we must accept serious responsibility of our own. And here's my pledge: I'll work to make sure you have every resource and every tool you need to fight and win the war on terror. (APPLAUSE) The war continues. It's a different kind of war, but it goes on. As we saw again yesterday, the terrorists are fighting desperately to undermine Iraq's progress toward freedom. That attack showed, once again, the cruelty of our enemies. The terrorists and Baathist holdouts know that a free and stable Iraq will be a major defeat to the cause of hatred and terror. They can't stand the thought of a free society. They know that the rise of democracy and hope in the Middle East will mean the decline of their appeal and influence.

So the terrorists understand that Iraq is the central front in the war on terror. They're testing our will. And day by day, they are learning our will is firm. Their cause will fail. We will stay on the offensive. Whatever it takes, we will seek and find and destroy the terrorists so that we do not have to face them in our own country. (APPLAUSE) Not long ago, we intercepted a planning document being sent to the leaders of Al Qaida by a terrorist named Zarqawi. He's in Iraq. Along with the usual threats, he had a complaint. Our enemy, said Zarqawi, is growing stronger and his intelligence data are increasing day-by-day. This is suffocation. Zarqawi's getting the idea. For the terrorists in Iraq, we are making sure there is less oxygen every day. (APPLAUSE) The terrorists hate and target a free Afghanistan and a free Iraq. They also hate and target every country that stands for democracy and tolerance and freedom in the world. The murders in Madrid have revealed once again the agenda and the nature of the terrorist enemy. They kill the innocent. They killed children and their mothers on a commuter train without conscience, without mercy. They cause suffering and grief and they rejoice in it. This terrorist enemy will never be appeased because death is their banner and their cause. There is no safety for any nation in a world that lives at the mercy of gangsters and mass murderers. Eventually, there's no place to hide from the planted bombs or the far worse weapons the terrorists seek.

For the civilized world, there's only one path to safety. We will stay united, and we will fight until this enemy is broken. (APPLAUSE) The United States is committed to defeating terrorism around the world. It's a solemn commitment. We lead in this cause. We're fighting in this cause. And we are sacrificing in this cause. The 101st Airborne has known greater losses than any other division- sized unit. Each of these Americans brought pride to our country. We pray for their families. We will honor their names forever. (APPLAUSE) The 101st Airborne Division has earned its place in the history of our country. Sixty years ago, on the night before D-Day, General Eisenhower went down to the airfield where the 101st was loading into 747s for the flight to Normandy. Eisenhower told the men not to worry because they had the best leaders and equipment. One of them look at him and said, Hell, General, we ain't worried. It's Hitler's turn to worry. (APPLAUSE) That spirit carried the American soldier across Europe to help liberate a continent. It's the same spirit that carried you across Iraq to set a nation free. (APPLAUSE) Like your fathers and grandfathers before you, you have liberated millions from oppression. You've added to the momentum of freedom across the world. You have helped keep America safe. You make us all proud to be Americans. And you have made me proud to be your commander in chief. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless the United States. Thank you all. (APPLAUSE)
4 posted on 03/18/2004 3:37:11 PM PST by dennisw (“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”)
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To: dennisw
Great pixs....wish I could have been there.....
5 posted on 03/18/2004 3:37:29 PM PST by mystery-ak (*The cause of freedom is in good hands*....you betcha, Mr. President!)
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To: dennisw

More Fort Campbell- Kentucky articles
Senator Frist thanks 101st for service in Iraq

Chantal Escoto
2004-02-18

Fort Campbell and 101st Airborne Division commander Maj. Gen. David H. Petraeus gives old Iraqi currency and a Screaming Eagle coffee mug to U.S. Sen. Bill Frist Tuesday.

 

Senator Frist thanks 101st for service in Iraq

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist was at Fort Campbell Tuesday to meet with commanding general Maj. Gen. David H. Petraeus and personally thank him -- and the 101st Airborne Division -- for a job well done in Iraq.

The division was responsible for about 5,000 projects while they were deployed. The division officially returned home Saturday, even though about 3,000 soldiers are still in Kuwait. They are scheduled to come back to Fort Campbell through March.

"First and foremost, I congratulated him for his great leadership and on behalf of the U.S. Senate and for those who gallantly served in Iraq," Frist said after the informal luncheon.

"My visit was to express my appreciation of the men and women and their service and asked that he pass on that message. Also to their families," he said.

Frist also said he was most impressed by the soldiers' reconstruction efforts and the rebuilding of community services, economic infrastructure and 500 schools in northern Iraq.

"(This) was all coupled with the aggressive military action to uproot evil in Iraq. It was impressive as we reviewed the individual raids and activities." Frist said, describing the presentation he was given on 101st missions in Iraq. "We must continue funding local activities to rebuild communities and reconciliations with former Iraqi leaders."

Petraeus said if it weren't for Congress allowing $57 million to be used toward the reconstruction projects, the deployment wouldn't have been as successful.

The 101st Airborne Division also wouldn't have been able to round up nearly 500 "bad guys" within the last three months in Mosul, Petraeus said.

"It's awfully nice to know that the majority leader in the Senate recognizes the great accomplishments of our soldiers," Petraeus said. "I told him we were very grateful to him and Congress before and during (our deployment) in Iraq.

"There's a saying that money is ammunition and with the projects the 101st did over in Iraq, (Frist) ensured we had the money to accomplish those projects. He's always been a tremendous supporter of Fort Campbell."

But Tuesday's meeting wasn't the first for the senator and the general. The two have a long-standing history that started 12 years ago, when Frist saved Petraeus' life.

In 1991, Petraeus was shot with an M-16 rifle round in the left side of his chest during a training accident at Fort Campbell, where he was a battalion commander with the 187th Infantry Regiment.

Frist, then a heart surgeon at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, operated on a badly bleeding Petraeus to remove the bullet.

The two Princeton University graduates have since remained friends and have spoken to each other or written e-mails regularly while Petraeus was deployed to the Middle East.

At different times, the two attended the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton, and in October 2002 they ran the Army 10-miler together in Washington.

Petraeus quickly disappeared in the crowd ahead of Frist and ran about a 7-minute mile, despite a parachute accident that had fractured his pelvis several years ago.

TOTAL RETURN

As of Tuesday, 11,521 division soldiers have returned to Campbell Army Airfield since Jan. 7.

Today, 778 soldiers, mostly with 327th Infantry Regiment, 320th Field Artillery, 8th and 9th battalions, 101st Aviation Regiment, 159th Aviation Brigade, 526th Forward Support Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 311th Military Intelligence and 326th Engineer Battalion.

6 posted on 03/18/2004 3:41:35 PM PST by dennisw (“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”)
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To: dennisw

Bush Thanks Soldiers for 'Job Well Done'
 

Mar 18, 1:43 PM (ET)

By SCOTT LINDLAW

(AP) President Bush waves as he arrives to address troops at Fort Campbell, Ky., Thursday, March 18,...
Full Image
 

FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (AP) - A year after he sent troops to Iraq, President Bush thanked thousands who have returned home for "a job well done" and said the United States must persevere in the war against terrorism.

"Welcome home!" exclaimed the president, wearing a military-style jacket as he spoke Thursday to thousands. Troops in camouflage uniforms responded with roars of "hoo-ah" as Bush spoke under a brilliant sunshine at this sprawling Southern Army base.

After the pep talk for the troops, Bush was meeting privately with survivors of some who never made it home.

He also walked the chow line with his wife, Laura, and with soldiers, picking out fried shrimp, corn and broccoli. Bush passed on the prime rib, but marveled at one soldier's slab of beef: "Whose steak is that? That's half a cow!"

 

(AP) President Bush greets soldiers at Fort Campbell, Ky., on Thursday, March 18, 2004. (AP Photo/Mark...
Full Image
Scores of soldiers sat ramrod-straight as Bush then entered the mess hall. The president bowed his head with them for a prayer, then dug in.

Bush gave the speech in the same outdoor field where he addressed troops in November 2001, shortly after the terrorist attacks against New York and Washington; so Thursday's outing brought him full-circle.

Bush told the soldiers they were serving "at a crucial hour in the history of freedom."

"In the first war of the 21st century," he said, "you're defending your fellow citizens against ruthless enemies. And by your sacrifice, you're making our country more secure."

"You have delivered justice to many terrorists, and you're keeping the rest of them on the run," Bush said.

 

(AP) President Bush gives a thumbs up as he arrives to speaks to troops at Fort Campbell, Ky., Thursday,...
Full Image
Interviews with troops here suggested that Bush retains the strong support of the rank and file in the military, although many have lost comrades in Iraq. Fort Campbell has the third-largest military population in the Army. It also has lost the most soldiers in the Iraq campaign: Of the 564 U.S. service members who have died in Iraq, 60 have been from Fort Campbell. Hundreds have been injured.

"It's about time we got somebody in a key position to do what we need to do" in leading the military, said Sgt. Jerry Tucker, who served in Iraq.

But Staff Sgt. Jon Meyer said he wanted to hear Bush say he would send more troops to Iraq to bolster the current force. Soldiers in Iraq felt short-handed "any time you went into a village or city," Meyer said.

Many soldiers here are still grieving for fallen friends.

"When my buddy died, it was the saddest day of my life," said Spc. Brian Belue. "But I know he died for a great cause and I know he was proud to give his life for his country."

 

(AP) President Bush is greeted by Maj. Gen. David H. Petraeus, right, upon his arrival at Fort Campbell...
Full Image
Bush was to meet with the families of more than 40 soldiers who died in Iraq. Sixty soldiers from Fort Campbell died in that country, and 14 from the base died in Afghanistan.

The trip Thursday was part of Bush's campaign to persuade Americans to give him another four years as commander in chief, at a time when military leadership occupies center stage in the presidential campaign.

On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, Bush's intention Thursday was to place his political strong suit - national security - on full display.

By a 2-to-1 margin, polls show that voters approve of the way Bush is handling terrorism. However, those surveys suggest the public remains divided about the Iraq war.

But new trouble with allies on Iraq shadowed Bush here.

Polish President Aleksander Kwasniewski, a key U.S. ally, said Thursday he may withdraw troops early from Iraq and that Poland was "misled" about the threat of Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction.

As he walked the meal line here, Bush brushed off a reporter's question about Kwasnieski's comments. "I'm here to eat dinner," the president said, shaking his head.

7 posted on 03/18/2004 3:49:49 PM PST by dennisw (“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”)
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To: dennisw
its so funny, the DUmmies have a thread up on how no soldier was smiling how they maintained there distance and stuff, they only had three pictures to "prove" it. LOL the left can be hilarious sometimes
8 posted on 03/18/2004 4:04:56 PM PST by aft_lizard
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To: dennisw
After looking at the pictures, I once again make this observation.

Look at a picture of Bush on the campaign trail and you'll see lots of grins and smiling faces surrounding him.

Look at a picture of Kerry on the campaign trail and everybody has a "dead pan" look on their face.
9 posted on 03/18/2004 4:06:44 PM PST by dawn53
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To: dennisw
I listened to part of his speech, and it was outstanding. Our military, their families and the President are the best!
10 posted on 03/18/2004 4:49:18 PM PST by conservativecorner
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