President Barack Obama visited Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 1, 2012, to greet Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines on the anniversary of the death of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. Obama told the crowd that he is proud of them and that many of the positive events in Afghanistan occurred in part because of the efforts of the U.S. armed services. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Ericka Engblom)
President Barack Obama visits Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 1, 2012, to greet Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines on the anniversary of the death of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. Obama told the crowd that he is proud of them and that many of the positive events in Afghanistan occurred in part because of the efforts of the U.S. armed services. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Ericka Engblom)
President Barack Obama greets hospital personnel in the intensive care unit at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, May 1, 2012. Obama presented 10 Purple Hearts, three in the ICU. The president also met with troops after announcing he had signed a strategic partnership agreement with Afghan President Hamid Karzai detailing the relationship between the U.S. and Afghanistan as the war there nears an end. (White House photo/Pete Souza)
5/2/2012 - WASHINGTON -- During his surprise trip to Afghanistan today, President Barack Obama found some time -- between signing a strategic agreement with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and delivering a speech to be broadcast back to the United States - to speak with U.S. service members at Bagram Airfield.
The commander in chief started by acknowledging Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, the commander of U.S. and NATO International Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan, and Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, the senior U.S. diplomat there.
Obama then listed the military units represented in the crowd, from 1st Infantry Division to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing. Assembled service members greeted each unit designation the president listed with an enthusiastic "Hooah!" His basic message to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines was simple; the president said: "All I want to do is just say thank you."
The sacrifices service members have made are what make America free and secure, the president said. Obama told the troops he had just signed the U.S.-Afghanistan strategic partnership agreement, which signals the transition to turning over Afghanistan's security lead to that nation's own forces.
"We're not going to do it overnight," he said. "We're not going to do it irresponsibly. We're going to make sure that the gains, the hard-fought gains that have been made, are preserved."
U.S. service members and their coalition partners are the reason that agreement is possible, and the reason Afghans "have an opportunity for a new tomorrow," he said.
"We did not choose this war," the president said. "This war came to us on 9/11. And there are a whole bunch of folks here, I'll bet, who signed up after 9/11." When Americans see their homeland violated and their fellow citizens killed, he added, "then we understand what we have to do."
Because Americans like those at Bagram Airfield today stepped forward, the commander in chief said, "not only were we able to blunt the Taliban momentum, not only were we able to drive al-Qaida out of Afghanistan, but slowly and systematically we have been able to decimate the ranks of al-Qaida, and a year ago we were able to finally bring Osama bin Laden to justice."
Troops made that happen by doing their jobs every day, he said, and their families made it happen by loving and supporting them.
"Together, you guys represent what is best in America," the president said. "And you're part of a long line of those who have worn this uniform to make sure that we are free and secure, to make sure that those of us at home have the capacity to live our lives."
Everybody in America knows and appreciates that, Obama said.
"And everybody in America honors it," he added. "When the final chapter of this war is written, historians will look back and say, not only was this the greatest fighting force in the history of the world, but all of you also represented the values of America in an exemplary way."
The president said he understands troops' jobs remain tough.
"I know the battle is not yet over," he said. "Some of your buddies are going to get injured, and some of your buddies may get killed. And there's going to be heartbreak and pain and difficulty ahead. But there's a light on the horizon because of the sacrifices you've made."
The nation will stand behind its troops when war ends, the president said, "because you've earned it."
"You earned a special place in our hearts," Obama said. "And I could not be prouder to be your commander in chief."
Comments
5/9/2012 10:38:11 AM ET Chief Dailey and Lt official Air Force websites adhere to the Associated Press Style Guide for names and titles. It states on second reference of a person's name and in headlines to only use their last name with no rank or courtesy title.In no way is this meant as a slight against our senior leaders or lowest ranking Airmen. This policy is standard across most of the journalism industry.
TSgt Powell, Ft. Meade
5/9/2012 10:20:01 AM ET Chief Dailey is absolutely right. There is no question referring to a squadron commander by last name only is displaying a lack of respect. Just because heshe may not be present does not give license to drop their rank or title. This is not any different when referring to the president. The media commonly refers to the president by last name only or with Mr. That does not mean it is the proper way of speaking. How many republicans have you heard say President Bush and then simply Obama and vice versa for democrats That may or may not be intentional and if not clearly displays the subconscious impulse to lower the individual holding the office. And yes Chris Kimball this really is what is bringing down our society. These minor details reflect the larger things in our lives. Making a habit of relaxing standards leads to the elimination of those standards and the adoption of a lower way of life. This applies to any and all personal and professional relationships civilian and milit
Lt, Offutt
5/8/2012 9:31:55 AM ET Typical pointing out of non mission critical details by a Chief or Shirt. Part of the reason I got out after a few terms. Always there to ding someone for a cable or sideburns. Is that really what is bringing down our society our military and our country? I think not. I don't know what it is about making a certain rank or achieving a certain title that causes so many to become AFI Nazis. There are plenty of reasons to cause an Airman to have a significant emotional event. Choose your reason wisely.
Chris Kimball, Indiana
5/5/2012 5:10:41 AM ET CMsgt Dailey It is a common for the CINC to called by his last name when people are talking to each other about the president.... Not a big deal. No one is going to get killed and am pretty sure they would never call the CINC by just his last name if they actually had a chance to meet him. Just my 2 cents. Im sure there are bigger things on a CMsgt's plate than this. How bout we concentrate on quality of life issues etc.
BP, Bossier City LA
5/4/2012 10:40:24 AM ET I have been working with my Airman to break the Habit of referring the to Commander in Chief Aka As President Obama by only his last name. He is the most senior member of the US military and even in our Headlines we must render propper title and courtsy to the office and the person that holds it. Through out this article the President was referred to as OBAMA... If an Airman referred to My commander as Smith vs Col Smith or to me as Dailey, they would have a significant emotional event. I ask that you please refrain from falling into the habit that too many of the mainstream media does and show the respect for the office and position, no matter your politics it is the right thing to do
