Cheney Expresses Holiday Thanks to Troops in Iraq, Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, Dec. 19, 2005 – Vice President Richard B. Cheney delivered personal messages of support and thanks to deployed U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan during visits to their operating areas Dec. 18 and today.

"Americans are grateful for your service. They support your mission. We're proud of each and every one of you," Cheney told troops at a surprise Dec. 18 rally at Al-Asad Air Base, in western Iraq.

The vice president told the troops he recognizes that they're missing their families and loved ones at home, particularly during the holidays. "With Christmas and Hanukkah arriving next week, I know your thoughts naturally turn to home," he said. "And your fellow Americans are thinking of you more than ever. I'm pleased to bring you the good wishes of the entire country and personal greetings from our commander in chief."

Cheney echoed that sentiment today at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, after attending the inauguration of the new Afghan Parliament in Kabul. "With Christmas and Hanukkah just around the corner, I wanted to come and let you know how impressed we've been with the tremendous progress you've made," the vice president said.

During visits to both countries, Cheney thanked the troops for the critical role they are playing in the war on terror. "The terrorists know that as freedom takes hold, the ideologies of hatred and resentment will lose their appeal," he said in Iraq. "And the advance of democracy in this land will inspire reformers throughout the region."

As the region experiences new hope and progress, it will become more secure, "and a terrible threat will be removed from the lives of our children and grandchildren," he said.

"This is a battle for the future of civilization," Cheney said. "It's a battle worth fighting. It is a battle we are going to win."

In Afghanistan today, Cheney praised troops there for helping that country advance its course toward democracy. "We are firmly committed to the safety of the Afghan people, to the success of this democracy, and to lasting peace and stability in the region," he said at Bagram. "And by serving here today, each and every one of you is playing a vital role in that cause."

During both visits, the vice president assured troops that their country will continue to stand behind them as they sacrifice on the front lines against terrorism.

"You've carried out your duties in difficult conditions, far from home and family, often risking your lives and experiencing the loss of comrades," he said in Iraq. "You have done everything we've asked of you. You have conducted yourselves with professionalism and with honor. And when you return home from this part of the world, you can be proud of your service for the rest of your life."

In closing, Cheney thanked the troops at both sites for the wonderful job they are doing on behalf of the United States. "You're meeting every challenge with focus and great effectiveness, above all with honor," he said in Iraq. "And I want you to know especially at Christmastime how much you mean to America. This is a season for counting our blessings. Americans realize how fortunate we are to have people like you wearing the uniform of our country."

"I want to thank you, once again, for serving far from home, in an hour of great need," Cheney said in Afghanistan. "You reflect immense credit on the uniform you wear and on the cause you serve, and the nation is proud of each and every one of you."

U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney eats with U.S. and Iraqi soldiers at the Taji Air Base in Iraq December 18, 2005. Cheney visited Iraq on Sunday for the first time since the 2003 invasion, as hardline leaders from both sides of the country's sectarian divide renewed calls for American troops to go home. Cheney, a chief architect of the war to oust Saddam Hussein, met Iraq's prime minister and president during his 8-hour visit, and hailed last Thursday's election as 'tremendous'. REUTERS/Lawrence Jackson/Pool

U.S. Vice President Richard Cheney and Lt. Gen.Karl Eikenberry, left, appear at a rally with troops at Bagram Air Base, Monday, Dec. 19, 2005, in Afghanistan. Cheney is in the midst of five nation tour of the Middle Eas,t which included an unscheduled stop in Iraq Sunday. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson, Pool)
AP - Dec 19 4:11 AM
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney addresses a group of Marines at Al-Asad Air Base during a question and answer session in Iraq December 18, 2005. Cheney visited Iraq on Sunday for the first time since the 2003 invasion, as hardline leaders from both sides of the country's sectarian divide renewed calls for American troops to go home. REUTERS/Lawrence Jackson/Pool
Reuters - Dec 18 6:06 PM
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney addresses Marines at Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq December 18, 2005. Cheney visited Iraq on Sunday for the first time since the 2003 invasion, as hardline leaders from both sides of the country's sectarian divide renewed calls for American troops to go home. REUTERS/Lawrence Jackson/Pool
Reuters - Dec 18 6:08 PM
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney arrives at Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq December 18, 2005. Cheney visited Iraq on Sunday for the first time since the 2003 invasion, as hardline leaders from both sides of the country's sectarian divide renewed calls for American troops to go home. REUTERS/Lawrence Jackson/Pool
Reuters - Dec 18 6:01 PM
US Vice President Dick Cheney (C) poses with US troops at the Taji Air Base in Iraq. Cheney also met with Iraqi leaders and US Military Command to discuss security and the latest elections during his surprise visit.(AFP/Pool/Lawrence Jackson)
AFP/Pool - Dec 18 4:44 PM
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney (R) meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari in Baghdad December 18, 2005. Cheney visited Iraq on Sunday for the first time since the 2003 invasion, as hardline leaders from both sides of the country's sectarian divide renewed calls for American troops to go home. Cheney, a chief architect of the war to oust Saddam Hussein, met Iraq's prime minister and president during his 8-hour visit, and hailed last Thursday's election as 'tremendous'. (Lawrence Jackson/Pool/Reuters)
Reuters - Dec 18 1:48 PM
U.S. Vice President Richard Cheney (L) and U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad chat in Baghdad December 18, 2005. Cheney visited Iraq on Sunday for the first time since the 2003 invasion, as hardline leaders from both sides of the country's sectarian divide renewed calls for American troops to go home. Cheney, a chief architect of the war to oust Saddam Hussein, met Iraq's prime minister and president during his 8-hour visit, and hailed last Thursday's election as 'tremendous'. REUTERS/Lawrence Jackson/Pool
Reuters - Dec 18 9:37 AM
U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney poses with U.S. soldiers at the Taji Air Base in Iraq December 18, 2005. Cheney visited Iraq on Sunday for the first time since the 2003 invasion, as hardline leaders from both sides of the country's sectarian divide renewed calls for American troops to go home. Cheney, a chief architect of the war to oust Saddam Hussein, met Iraq's prime minister and president during his 8-hour visit, and hailed last Thursday's election as 'tremendous'. REUTERS/Lawrence Jackson/Pool)
Reuters - Dec 18 9:30 AM
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney (R) meets with Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari in Baghdad December 18, 2005. Cheney visited Iraq on Sunday for the first time since the 2003 invasion, as hardline leaders from both sides of the country's sectarian divide renewed calls for American troops to go home. Cheney, a chief architect of the war to oust Saddam Hussein, met Iraq's prime minister and president during his 8-hour visit, and hailed last Thursday's election as 'tremendous'. REUTERS/Lawrence Jackson/Pool
Reuters - Dec 18 9:37 AM
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney (C) greets an Iraqi soldier with the 9th Mechanized Infantry Division of the Iraqi Army at the Taji Air Base in Iraq December 18, 2005. Cheney visited Iraq on Sunday for the first time since the 2003 invasion, as hardline leaders from both sides of the country's sectarian divide renewed calls for American troops to go home. Cheney, a chief architect of the war to oust Saddam Hussein, met Iraq's prime minister and president during his 8-hour visit, and hailed last Thursday's election as 'tremendous'. REUTERS/Lawrence Jackson/Pool
Reuters - Dec 18 9:31 AM
U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney eats with U.S. and Iraqi soldiers at the Taji Air Base in Iraq December 18, 2005. Cheney visited Iraq on Sunday for the first time since the 2003 invasion, as hardline leaders from both sides of the country's sectarian divide renewed calls for American troops to go home. Cheney, a chief architect of the war to oust Saddam Hussein, met Iraq's prime minister and president during his 8-hour visit, and hailed last Thursday's election as 'tremendous'. REUTERS/Lawrence Jackson/Pool
Reuters - Dec 18 9:24 AM
U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney (L), accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad (C), greets Gen. George W. Casey, Jr., the top U.S. commander in Iraq, December 18, 2005, in Baghdad. Cheney visited Iraq on Sunday for the first time since the 2003 invasion, as hardline leaders from both sides of the country's sectarian divide renewed calls for American troops to go home. Cheney, a chief architect of the war to oust Saddam Hussein, met Iraq's prime minister and president during his 8-hour visit, and hailed last Thursday's election as 'tremendous'. REUTERS/Lawrence Jackson/Pool
Reuters - Dec 18 9:15 AM
U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney (R) meets with Iraq President Jalal Talabani in Baghdad December 18, 2005. Cheney visited Iraq on Sunday for the first time since the 2003 invasion, as hardline leaders from both sides of the country's sectarian divide renewed calls for American troops to go home. Cheney, a chief architect of the war to oust Saddam Hussein, met Iraq's prime minister and president during his 8-hour visit, and hailed last Thursday's election as 'tremendous'. REUTERS/Lawrence Jackson/Pool
Reuters - Dec 18 9:20 AM
U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney poses with U.S. troops, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2005, at the Taji Air Base, in Iraq. Cheney also met with Iraqi leaders and U.S. Military Command to discuss security and the latest elections during his surprise visit. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson, Pool)
AP - Dec 18 8:53 AM

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