Rumsfeld 'Saddened' by Attacks on DoD Efforts

[gilliam]

Rumsfeld ‘Saddened’ by Attacks on DoD Efforts

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2004 Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said he is “truly saddened” that anyone could have the impression “that I or others here are doing anything other than working urgently to see that the lives of the fighting men and women are protected and are cared for in every way humanly possible.”

Rumsfeld and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers held a news conference at the Pentagon today.

The remarks came after a tough time for the secretary politically. First, critics jumped on an Army specialist’s question to Rumsfeld about having to scrounge armor to put on Humvees. Second, the secretary was stung by a news story pointing out that he did not personally sign all condolence letters to the families of those killed in the global war on terrorism.

“I hope and pray that every family member of those who have died so bravely knows how deeply I feel their loss,” he said. "When I meet with the wounded, with their families, or with the families of those who have been lost, their grief is something I feel to my core. And I should add – and the American people need to know – that the strength of our military and of their families is amazing. It is truly extraordinary to see it and to feel it. It never fails to give me strength, to give me encouragement, and to give me inspiration for the tasks ahead.

Rumsfeld emphasized the degree of his feelings toward the men and women of the armed forces. “I, and I know others, stay awake at night with concern for those at risk, with hope for their lives and for their success,” he said. “And I want those who matter most – the men and women in uniform and their families – to know that. And I want them to know that we consider them – the soldiers, the sailors, the airmen, the Marines – to be America’s true treasure, and I thank them and I thank their families.”

The secretary said the troops have inspired him in his ability to do his job in the face of the criticism he has faced. “You get up in the morning and you think about what our troops are doing, and I must say, if they can do what they’re doing, I can do what I’m doing,” he said. Biography:
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld

 

[Faithful_2_Rome]

Aide to Rumsfeld: Quick boss! That Humvee armor and auto signing fiasco has really made you look like the uncaring mope you are…this latest disaster is a chance to do some spin!

Rumsfeld: What do ya mean?

Aide: We can get a story into the papers stating how “saddened” you are and how you even stayed awake ALL NIGHT burdened by this tragedy!

Rumsfeld: Yeah! We can tell em how guilty I am…er…SADDENED I am and how I was up all night worrying about my image…er…worrying about the TROOPS! EXCELLENT! Thats a PRINT!

 

[mlchance]

Faithful 2 Rome:

Aide to Rumsfeld: Quick boss! That Humvee armor and auto signing fiasco has really made you look like the uncaring mope you are…this latest disaster is a chance to do some spin!

The “armor fiasco” is much ado about nothing. In the unit of controversy, the 278th Cavalry, 800 of the 830 vehicles had already been up-armored when Rumsfield was asked this “disastrous” question. The remaining vehicles to be modified were in the process of being up-armored — and this process was completed within 24 hours of the “armor fiasco.”

But, as usual, I’m certain that mere facts aren’t particularly relevant when innuendo and sarcasm are on hand.

– Mark L. Chance.

 

[gilliam]

An Open Letter from US Army 1st Sgt. Timmy Rikard:

This is a shotgun blast response to the media reports on Secretary Rumsfeld’s visit to our Camp. I was fortunate enough to be there and even shake the man’s hand. When the media reports were released concerning the event, I could not believe what I saw and heard. There are over 12,000 troops on our base. Only 2,000 or so had the opportunity to attend the gathering and I can tell you, those were hotly contested seats.

Not as the media would have you believe, so we could voice our displeasure, but rather to have the opportunity to see and hear the man we admire. Mr. Secretary spoke for 10 minutes or so on the war in Iraq and what freedom meant to the people of Afghanistan. He was there for the recent elections and shared his wonderful insight. After his prepared remarks he opened up the floor for questions and made it very clear that nothing was off limits.

Folks, this is extremely unusual for a dignitary to do. Also, we as leaders were instructed to not screen our soldiers’ questions. They were to be honest and from the heart. Mr. Rumsfeld fielded a number of questions, took down notes for the ones he did not have answers to and genuinely enjoyed talking to the soldiers. Afterward, he spent over an hour with the enthusiastic troops who literally mobbed him and would not let him leave. He smiled for all, shook hands and had pictures taken. It ended only when his security forced us away. He was applauded, he was given a standing ovation, and he was loved.

He stood there like a professional, like a man, and he took the heat because that’s what leaders do. And yet somehow, the American media turned that wonderful event into a “disgruntled troops meet with Secretary Rumsfeld” headline. Incredible. The morale is high, the equipment is good and improving daily. Disregard what you read and hear from the media and trust in the American fighting men and women to do the right thing. We have excellent leadership and are doing what we signed up to do.

1SG Timmy Rikard
tothepointnews.com/article.php?id=549&i=

 

[gilliam]

From 2Slik’s Blog:

**Rumsfeld’s Surprise Visit

**Whenever someone suggests that Rumsfeld doesn’t care about the troops, please ask that person how many times they’ve visited wounded troops at military hospitals. Then ask them if they should be saying these things about a man who practically lives in those hospitals. Tell them to go visit a military hospital just once. It’s not an easy thing to do. It would be tougher if you were one of the people who sent them into combat. But the SECDEF does it- all the time.

Back to his meeting with the troops- SECDEF lashed out at the press- specifically Al-Jihada, but he expressed confidence in the American people and their ability to filter out the garbage and find the truth for themselves. I agree with him. Let’s see how much coverage this gets.