|
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. - United States of America
President Barack Obama visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to
express his gratitude to service members and Department of Defense
civilians for their service to their country during a meet and greet
event Dec. 15, 2014.
The event allowed more than 3,000
military and civilian personnel to listen to their
commander-in-chief discuss current conflicts and mission readiness,
but more importantly to thank the attendees for their service and
dedication to their nation.
|
Service members and Department of
Defense civilians shake hands and take photos of United States of
America President Barack Obama after addressing a crowd of more than
3,000 people at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Dec. 15,
2014. The President visited the joint base to express his gratitude
to service members and DOD civilians for serving their country.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Saldukas)
|
"Part of the message I'm here to deliver on behalf of the
American people is very simple: It's just to say thank you,"
the president said. "Thank you for your extraordinary
service. I thank you as your president because you inspire
me. And of all the privileges I have in serving in this
office, nothing comes close to the honor of serving as your
commander-in-chief."
He explained how differences and
disagreements will always be around; however, when it comes
to service members and their families, Americans will always
stand united.
"That's especially true now, during the holidays," he
said. "We can gather with family and friends because you're
willing to hug yours goodbye and step forward to serve.
After a long day, we can come home because you're willing to
leave your home and deploy. We get to celebrate birthdays
and anniversaries and holidays, go to soccer games and go to
dance recitals because you're willing to miss those in your
family. We're free and safe and secure over here because
you're willing to serve over there."
The president
noted how the selfless character of today's military force
is a precious gift that is given all year every year.
"What makes us special, what makes us the best is all of
you," Obama said. "It's your character and your willingness
to say, 'send me.' Your dedication to duty, your courage,
and your readiness to defend our values and our ideals of
freedom and liberty, not just for us, but for people all
around the world. You are the backbone of the greatest
nation on Earth, and you always will be that. And for that,
America is eternally grateful, and I am incredibly proud to
serve as your Commander-in-Chief. So, happy holidays,
everybody and God bless you. God bless your families. God
bless our Armed Forces. God bless the United States of
America. Thank you."
During the last six months, more
than 3,000 service members from JB MDL deployed in support
of numerous operations world-wide. Regardless of service
branch, personnel train, equip and mobilize on a continuous
rotation from the installation.
"Whether it is at
home or abroad, our military is truly one team-a joint
team-that trains and works together to plan, prepare and
provide lifesaving and life sustaining capabilities,
whenever and wherever our nation needs us," said Maj. Gen.
Margaret 'Maggie' Boor, commanding general of the 99th
Regional Support Command. "We are an All-Volunteer force of
service men and women dedicated to the Profession of Arms,
who are proud to be part of the finest military of the
finest country in the world."
Joint Base
McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst was one of three bases up for
consideration for the presidential visit. On Friday, the
White House officially announced the president's trip to JB
MDL.
"We are very proud to be the home of the DoD's
only tri-service led joint base where we provide tremendous
rapid global mobility, training, mobilization and innovation
for America enabled by the great Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen,
Marines, Coast Guard and DoD Civilians from across the Joint
Base," said Maj. Gen. Rick Martin, commander of the U.S. Air
Force Expeditionary Center. "It is a great privilege and
honor to host our Commander-in-Chief. His visit is a
testimony to the remarkable impact each of you make every
day around the world."
Obama also thanked YN2 Cary
Chavez, assigned to VR-64, for reciting the Pledge of
Allegiance and Staff Sgt. Ashley Montgomery, assigned to the
87th Force Support Squadron, for singing the national anthem
prior to his remarks.
Leaders from across all
services, elected officials and community leaders who
support the men and women of JB MDL were also in attendance.
By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Scott Saldukas
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2015
Comment on this article |
