NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 |
December 24, 2004
Release Number: 04-12-51
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DEFENSE SECRETARY VISITS TROOPS
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DANGER, TIKRIT, Iraq -- Soldiers here were treated to an early Christmas surprise with the visit of U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld on Dec. 24.
During his remarks to Task Force Danger Soldiers, Rumsfeld said his main purpose for visiting was to look the Soldiers in the eye, shake their hands and tell them how much the country appreciates what they do.
In addition, Rumsfeld stressed the importance of the upcoming elections and what the Soldiers should concentrate on accomplishing.
"The task you have is not to create a country, but to create an environment so that they can do it on their own," Rumsfeld said.
Following his speech, Rumsfeld opened the floor to questions and then met with the Soldiers for photo opportunities.
Multi-National Corps-Iraq Commander Lt. Gen. Thomas Metz and Task Force Danger Commander Maj. Gen. John R.S. Batiste were also in attendance for the ceremony.
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