Thank You Rummy!

Rumsfeld Thanks Troops for Service, Calls for U.S. Patience
He spoke to more than 1,200 soldiers and Marines at this sprawling air base in Anbar province. Rumsfeld will leave his office Dec. 18, when Defense Secretary designee Robert Gates takes his place.
The entire speech to the troops that Rummy gave is HERE
And here are a few quotes from his speech:

“For the past six years, I have had the opportunity and, I would say the privilege, to serve with the greatest military on the face of the Earth,” Rumsfeld said. “I leave understanding that the true strength of the United States military is not in Washington, it’s not in the Pentagon, it’s not in the weapons. It’s in the hearts of the men and women who serve. It’s your patriotism, it’s your professionalism and indeed your determination.”

“I never cease to be amazed at the courage and resiliency of not only the troops, but of your families as well. You have undergone hardships and endured sacrifices, yet I always leave my meetings with the troops and your families with my feelings lifted – inspired by your hope, your determination and your unfailing good humor.”

The secretary pointed out that the highest reenlistment rates in all the services are found among those soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who are serving in combat. He said this speaks volumes about servicemembers’ character and commitment. “It tells us other things as well – that the men and women in uniform believe in what they are doing, they know it’s important, they know it’s worth the cost and in some cases the tears,” he said. “And they are convinced they can succeed and that our country can prevail. But only if we don’t lose our will.”
Rumsfeld told the servicemembers they serve a nation that is the greatest force for good the world has ever known. “America is not what’s wrong with the world,” he said. “Violent extremists – those who kill innocent men, women and children – they are what is wrong with this world.”

The secretary told the servicemembers that history will show that after America was attacked, hundreds of thousands of young men and women stepped forward to wear their nation’s uniform. “(These were) talented young people who could have done something else – something easier, something safer,” he said. “But instead they volunteered to defend our country.
“You are those men and women,” he continued. “You are the ones who took up the fight against the extremists far from home to prevent them from attacking our families, friends, neighbors and fellow citizens. For your service, your sacrifice and for the professionalism and the dedication you demonstrate every day, you have my profound admiration and my deep and everlasting respect.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve with you, and I will never forget it; I will treasure it always.”

Wild Thing’s comment……
Many soldiers and airmen at Balad said that if they have the patience and they haven’t lost faith, then the American people shouldn’t either. “This is my second year-long tour,” said a convoy commander at Anaconda Logistics Area. “Why am I more patient than someone sitting at home in ‘Fort Livingroom?’”
God Bless ’em, each and every one. I won’t lose faith or patience, and I’ll do whatever I can back here to support them and their mission.
The lack of will lies with the politicians, not with the military and not with those of us that support our military. Our military has pleaded time and time again to be left alone to do their job. And as far as Syria and Iran are concerned, the ONLY way to talk to Iran and Syria is from the business end of a big freaking gun. What the surrender monkeys are advocating show the Ben Laden types they can just wait us out and sooner or later we will fold.
The demonrats hauling Rummy before committee after committee was just too much. To see Hillary’s snarling demeanor when she addressed him……….the Dems most certainly are the enemy within and God help us and America.
Thank you Rummy, thank you for taking a stand ofr your troops all those times when being questioned by the vile media. Thank you for standing tall in not caving in to their slander and attacks on our military. You will be missed Rummy!

“I leave understanding that the true strength of the United States military is not in Washington, it’s not in the Pentagon, it’s not in the weapons. It’s in the hearts of the men and women who serve. It’s your patriotism, it’s your professionalism and indeed your determination.”…Rummy