SECDEF visits MacDill, addresses military concerns

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Robin Drake
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) --  Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld thanked Airmen here Oct. 11 for their involvement in the global war on terrorism and humanitarian efforts at home and abroad.

"We fight today so that our children and their children might not have to experience the heartbreak of something like Sept. 11,” he said.

Secretary Rumsfeld also said, “the men and women in uniform, you and your associates all across the globe, are displaying resolute courage, behind the courage that defined our country through the generations.

“I am deeply grateful to you," he said.

The secretary said the world has experienced some terrible natural disasters recently: the Gulf of Mexico hurricanes, Guatemala mudslides and Pakistan earthquake.

He praised Army Gen. John Abizaid, commander of U.S. Central Command, and his team for working “day in and day out” to do everything humanly possible to assist those who suffered through the recent Pakistani earthquakes.

"These disasters caused a great deal of harm, a lot of death and dislocation. But they've also shown the truly heart-felt compassion and professionalism of the men and women in the United States military," Secretary Rumsfeld said.

Then the secretary focused on the global war on terrorism, and said a global coalition is putting great pressure on the enemy across the globe. Coalition forces are staying on the attack and keeping the terrorists on the run. And he said there still seems to be confusion and misunderstanding in certain circles about America and the nature of the global war on terrorism.

"Many of you have undoubtedly heard questions asked about why are our forces are fighting this war in Afghanistan and in Iraq. You can tell those that ask that you and your friends across the globe are standing on the front lines to protect them and to safeguard their freedom, as well as your own," he said.

Mr. Rumsfeld said America is not what's wrong with this world.

“What's wrong with this world are the terrorists, the beheaders, the hostage takers and the assassins,” he said.

The goal of the global war on terrorism is victory -- unconditional, unapologetic and unyielding, he said.