Pace Visits Qatar to Thank Troops for Terror War Support

American Forces Press Service ^ | 29 December 2005 | Donna Miles

[A.A. Cunningham]

Pace Visits Qatar to Thank Troops for Terror War Support By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2005 – The top-ranking U.S. military officer visited U.S. and coalition troops at an air base in Qatar yesterday to thank them for their contributions to the war on terror, treat them to a USO show and re-enlist three members.

Marine Gen. Peter Pace kicked off a week-long trip at an air base near Doha, where he thanked hundreds of troops gathered under a tent at the base's Memorial Plaza, Air Force Capt. Eric Badger, public affairs officer for the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, told the American Forces Press Service.

The past year has been an "incredible one of progress in the war on terrorism, and it's because of you," news reports quoted Pace as telling the assembled airmen, soldiers, sailors, Marines and coalition troops.

"He told us how well everyone here is doing and how important everyone is (to the overall mission)," Badger said. "It felt really good to hear it, and it reinforced that what we're doing here is worthwhile."

Pace issued the oath of re-enlistment to three members of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing: Tech. Sgt. Shannon Midgette, Senior Airman Brian Davis and Senior Airman Bradley Evans.

Retired Army Col. Jack Jacobs, who received the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Vietnam War, shared stories of his own deployments and compared his experiences to what troops are facing today, Badger said.

Jacobs told the servicemembers to stay focused on their objective, keep their training up to date and to look out for each other. "Always remember to take care of each other," he said. "Your comrades depend on you."

A USO-sponsored troupe accompanied the chairman to entertain the troops with a rousing music and comedy show. They included 2004 American Idol finalist Diana DeGarmo, country music star Michael Peterson and comedian and actor Reggie McFadden, Badger said.

"Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. It brought a slice of home for everybody," he said. "And it's always a warm feeling to hear people thank you and tell you how proud they are of what you are doing. It's good to hear that you're cared about and loved."

Pace addressed the group after meeting with Army Gen. John Abizaid, who heads U.S. Central Command, and other senior officials at the command's forward headquarters in Qatar. He is continuing his visit and USO tour through the Middle East and Central Asia.

(Air Force Master Sgt. Stanley Coleman with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing contributed to this article.)

[A.A. Cunningham]

DINNER WITH THE TROOPS – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace dines with troops at a forward operating base in southwest Asia, Dec. 28, 2005. Pace and USO celebrities visited and thanked troops that are deployed in the war against terrorism during the holiday season.
Defense Dept. photo by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen

Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shakes hands with servicemembers at an air base near Doha, Qatar, during a visit and USO tour through the region, Dec. 28.
Photo by Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen, USAF

[A.A. Cunningham]

051229-N-7241L-001 Persian Gulf (Dec. 29, 2005) – Side boys are rendered as Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, arrives aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) are currently underway on a regularly scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Apprentice Nathan Laird (RELEASED)

051229-N-7241L-002 Persian Gulf (Dec. 29, 2005) – USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Commanding Officer, Capt. J.R. Haley, greets Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, as he arrives aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) are currently underway on a regularly scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Apprentice Nathan Laird (RELEASED)

051229-N-6484E-018 Persian Gulf (Dec. 29, 2005) – Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, shakes hands with crewmembers during a visit to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) are currently underway on a regularly scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Stephen Early (RELEASED)

051229-N-0685C-008 Persian Gulf (Dec. 29, 2005) – Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace, speaks to crewmembers during a visit to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) are currently underway on a regularly scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations.
U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Javier Capella (RELEASED)