Gates Speaks of Troops' Courage, Dedication, Patriotism
(July 15, 2008) |
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WASHINGTON, July 12, 2008 – Defense
Secretary Robert M. Gates delivered a tribute to
servicemembers' courage, dedication, adaptability and
patriotism to the Daughters of the American Revolution's
Continental Congress, yesterday.
“Whenever I meet with troops,
I am impressed by their resilience, their good
humor, their courage, and their determination in
the face of personal sacrifice,” Gates said to
the more than 3,000 members of the group in
Constitution Hall, here. Gates was the featured
speaker at the organization's national security
night.
It is important to remember that, when Americans
talk about national security, it is the men and
women in uniform who make the discussion
possible, Gates said. Servicemembers carry out
the policies of the United States, and they
“shoulder the burdens of this complex and
dangerous world,” he said.
The war on terror is the
longest war the United States has fought with an
all-volunteer force since the American
Revolution. “Frankly, our military, |
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Secretary of Defense Robert M.
Gates speaks during the Daughters of the
American Revolution National Defense Night at
Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., Friday,
July 11, 2008. DoD photo by U.S. Air Force Tech
Sgt Jerry Morrison |
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our government and our country were
not prepared for such a long and grueling
conflict,” he said. “Despite this, our troops
have persevered and overcome incredible
obstacles. |
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“Often, they live in Spartan quarters,
work in combat theaters and face the uncertainties of
non-traditional war in an era when any mistake -- even the
perception of a mistake -- can be transmitted around the
globe in seconds.
American troops serve not only as warriors, but as diplomats
and development officers as well, the secretary said. “In
the face of these challenges, they have maintained a steely
resolve,” Gates said.
And they are staying with the missions. All services are
meeting or exceeding their recruiting and retention targets.
“High retention rates continue to be nothing short of
remarkable, especially when considering that those most
likely to re-enlist are those most often deployed,” Gates
said.
The courage of those serving cannot be doubted, Gates told
the group. The country has awarded five Medals of Honor; 38
Distinguished Service Crosses, Navy Crosses or Air Forces
Crosses; nearly 700 Silver Stars, and almost 5,000 Bronze
Stars with valor devices, the secretary said. “Each
represents a story of bravery and sacrifices so great they
are almost impossible to comprehend -- from men and women
who have fallen on grenades to save comrades to others who
have sprinted through firefights to save a buddy,” he said.
The troops and their commanders exhibit adaptability that is
key to winning a counterinsurgency fight. In 2006, coalition
forces forecast a bleak future for Anbar province in Iraq.
Al-Qaida in Iraq just about ruled the province's capital of
Ramadi. “When all hope seemed lost in Anbar, the unit in
charge of Ramadi dramatically changed its tactics -- moving
out of heavily fortified bases and into combat outposts in
the middle of the fight,” Gates said. “Through heavy
fighting, through great sacrifices, they won Ramadi back
from al-Qaida. Many of the tactics successfully employed
there would be replicated across Iraq.”
Gates also spoke of the sacrifices military families make,
calling them the “unsung heroes” of the war on terror.
Families, too, are affected by multiple deployments around
the world. “Words cannot describe how grateful our troops
are for their wives and husbands, sons and daughters,
brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers -- the network of
love and support that carries on in their absence,” he said.
Those wounded in the nation's service deserve the best the
country can give, Gates said. He said the American people
may disagree about the war, but they still support the
troops. “You ... see it in efforts by the Congress to make
sure our wounded have all they need to make the transition
to the next phase of their life,” he said.
Americans also see this appreciation through bipartisan
legislation President Bush signed last week that greatly
increases the benefits of the G.I. Bill for troops and their
families.
Gates said it is “deeds, not words” that count. American
soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are performing those
deeds to ensure the nation's safety and protecting U.S.
allies around the world. “In both principles and deeds, our
men and women in uniform embody the best our country has to
offer,” he said. “We are truly blessed to have among us
citizens of such tremendous and awe-inspiring courage.” | |
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2008
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