Posted on 11/25/2008 6:27:41 PM PST by Kaslin
President Bush traveled to Fort Campbell, Ky this morning and visited the troops who had just come back from Iraq Transcript
Quotes of the day
I particularly want to point out one person -- Staff Sergeant John [sic] Forbess. I had the honor of meeting John [sic] at the base of Air Force One. He was severely wounded in a helicopter crash in Iraq in 2003. Yet, despite his wounds, he volunteers in the Fisher House.
I'm proud of those of you who not only serve our nation by wearing a fabulous uniform, but serve our nation by feeding the hungry, and providing home -- houses for the homeless, for loving your neighbor just like you like to be yourself -- just like Sergeant Forbess has done.
You know, this is going to be my last Thanksgiving as President. Sometimes I am asked what I will miss most about the job. Well, above all, I'm going to miss spending time with men and women who have volunteered to serve the United States of America, the fine men and women who wear the uniform. We are blessed to have defenders of such character and courage. I'm grateful to the families who serve by your side. And I will always be thankful for the honor of having served as the Commander-in-Chief. (Applause.)
So Laura and I wish you and your families a safe and happy Thanksgiving. We join you in praying for our troops spending the holiday far from home. We pray for those who've been wounded in battle, and for all who love and care for them. We hold in our thoughts and prayers the brave men and women who have given their lives, and the families who mourn for them. We ask the Almighty to watch over everyone who puts on the uniform, and has volunteered to serve this great land.
It's an honor to be with you today. May God bless you, and may God continue to bless the United States of America. (Applause.)
Photos of the day
President George W. Bush shakes hands with soldiers after speaking at Fort Campbell, Ky., Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008.>
TJ Higgins, 4, sits atop his dads shoulders, Capt. Terrence Higgins, Tuesday while waiting for President George W. Bush at Fort Campbell
President George W. Bush walks with his press secretary, Dana Perino, as they depart the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, en route to Kentucky and a visit with troops of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell.
President George W. Bush waves as he walks at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, prior to boarding Air Force One for a day trip to Kentucky.
President George W. Bush waves as he boards Air Force One at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008.
Air Force One prepares to land at Fort Campbell
President George W. Bush waves prior to boarding Air Force One at Andrews Air Force base in Maryland, Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, prior to departing to Kentucky
Hi!
Hi Kaslin - great pics so far
Brigadier General Steve Thompson, Deputy Commanding General 101st Airborne Division greets President George W. Bush during his visit Tuesday to Fort Campbell.
Col. Fred Swope, Garrison Commander greets President George W. Bush during his visit Tuesday to Fort Campbell.
Soldiers Wait for President Bush to arrive.
President George W. Bush arrives to speak to the troops at Fort Campbell, Ky., Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008.
Troops cheer as President George W. Bush arrives prior to speaking at Fort Campbell, Ky., Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008.>
Soldiers applaud as President George W. Bush walks on the stage during his visit Tuesday to Fort Campbell
President George W. Bush is greeted as he arrives to speak to troops at Fort Campbell, Tuesday.
Soldiers listen as President George W. Bush speaks to troops at Fort Campbell, Ky., Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008.
With Saddam gone from power, our mission turned to helping the Iraqi people defend their freedom against violent extremists, including al Qaeda. In 2006, our efforts were faltering. So I reviewed our strategy and changed course. Instead of retreating, I ordered more troops into Iraq. And to lead the surge, I chose a former commanding general of the 101st Airborne -- the man formerly known as Eagle Six, General David Petraeus. (Applause.)
Soldiers listen as President George W. Bush speaks to troops at Fort Campbell, Ky., Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008.
With Saddam gone from power, our mission turned to helping the Iraqi people defend their freedom against violent extremists, including al Qaeda. In 2006, our efforts were faltering. So I reviewed our strategy and changed course. Instead of retreating, I ordered more troops into Iraq. And to lead the surge, I chose a former commanding general of the 101st Airborne -- the man formerly known as Eagle Six, General David Petraeus. (Applause.)
Our troops conducted this surge with resolve and with valor -- and nobody knows the impact better than the Screaming Eagles. When the "Bastogne" Brigade deployed to Salah al-Din last year, the province was still struggling to recover from the bombing of the famous Golden Mosque. But you partnered with the Iraqis to restore security. Schools and businesses are now open. The Golden Mosque is being rebuilt. Throughout the province, hope is returning; the terrorists are being driven out. The Iraqi people have the Screaming Eagles to thank.
The work you have done and are going to do is historical work. You see, the consequences of success in Iraq will resonate far beyond that country's borders, and will resonate when your children and grandchildren begin to study the history of peace. Success will frustrate Iran's ambitions to dominate the region. Success will show millions across the Middle East that a future of liberty and democracy is possible. Success will deny al Qaida a safe haven for launching new attacks. Success in Iraq will mean that the American people are more secure at home.
President George W. Bush speaks to troops at Fort Campbell, Ky., Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008.
You know, we're getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to it. (Applause.) The day before my first Thanksgiving as your President, guess where I was.
You know, we're getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to it. (Applause.) The day before my first Thanksgiving as your President, guess where I was.
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Right here!
THE PRESIDENT: Right here at Fort Campbell. (Applause.) For those of you who weren't here, I can only say that watching a bunch of Screaming Eagles tear into turkey is quite a sight. (Laughter.)
President George W. Bush during his visit Tuesday to Fort Campbell.
Over the past seven years, folks from this base have done exactly what they were trained to do. The Screaming Eagles, the Night Stalkers, the Fifth Special Forces Group have gone on the offense in the war against these killers and thugs. You have taken the battle of the terrorists overseas so we do not have to face them here in the United States. (Applause.) You have helped counter the hateful ideology of tyranny and terror with a more hopeful vision of justice and liberty. You're part of the great ideological struggle of our time. With the soldiers of Fort Campbell out front, the forces of freedom and liberty will prevail. (Applause.)
President George W. Bush addresses soldiers and visitors Tuesday at Fort Campbell, Ky.
Our troops conducted this surge with resolve and with valor -- and nobody knows the impact better than the Screaming Eagles. When the "Bastogne" Brigade deployed to Salah al-Din last year, the province was still struggling to recover from the bombing of the famous Golden Mosque. But you partnered with the Iraqis to restore security. Schools and businesses are now open. The Golden Mosque is being rebuilt. Throughout the province, hope is returning; the terrorists are being driven out. The Iraqi people have the Screaming Eagles to thank.
Troops fill a hangar as President George W. Bush speaks at Fort Campbell, Ky., Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008
Staff Sgt. Josh Forbess applauds President George W. Bush during his visit Tuesday to Fort Campbell. Forbess received the President's Volunteer Service Award from President Bush for his work with the Fisher House.
President George W. Bush waves after finishing his speech to the troops during his visit Tuesday to Fort Campbell.
President George W. Bush waves as he leaves the stage after speaking to troops at Fort Campbell, Ky., Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008.
President George W. Bush greets soldiers after speaking at Fort Campbell, Ky., Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008.
President George W. Bush during his visit Tuesday to Fort Campbell.
President George W. Bush greets a soldier after speaking to troops at Fort Campbell, Ky, .Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008.
President George W. Bush shakes hands with soldiers after speaking at Fort Campbell, Ky., Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008.>
President George W. Bush talks with a soldier after speaking to troops at Fort Campbell, Ky., Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008.
President George W. Bush prepares to sign an autograph Tuesday for a soldier while visiting Fort Campbell, Ky.
President George W. Bush poses with the troops during his visit Tuesday to Fort Campbell.
President George W. Bush talks with Sgt. 1st Class Thorington during his visit Tuesday to Fort Campbell.
God Bless You President Bush and God Bless our Military! Thanks.
TJ Higgins, 4, sits atop his dads shoulders, Capt. Terrence Higgins, Tuesday while waiting for President George W. Bush at Fort Campbell
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