Secretary of the Army ensures soldiers, families come first

Photo By Master Sgt. Edward Daileg | The Secretary of the Army John McHugh, speaks with soldiers during his visit at Camp Victory, Iraq, Jan. 26. McHugh said soldiers and their families are his top priority.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

01.26.2011

Story by Staff Sgt. Edward Daileg 

305th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

BAGHDAD -- The Secretary of the Army John McHugh told soldiers at Camp Victory, Iraq, Jan. 26, the Army’s top priority is taking care of them and their families.

McHugh, who made his 16th trip to Iraq, spoke with soldiers during an open-forum luncheon where he talked to them about their careers, the mission in Iraq and how the Army is planning of taking care of military families.

“The purpose of my trip was to speak to the troops and make sure we are doing the right things for them. We want to make sure we put the soldiers and their families first,” said McHugh.

McHugh said the Army’s biggest challenge is to reduce the stressors placed upon deployed soldiers and he hopes to increase dwell time for them.

“The most important thing we can do is give people more dwell time at home. We are working very hard to get two years of dwell time for every year of deployment,” he said.

During the luncheon, McHugh also answered questions about various topics from soldiers including military occupational specialties, the status of the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy, and the Army’s force management.

McHugh also reminded the soldiers that their current mission is just as critical as it was at any point in the war, and he told Soldiers to continue what they are doing to help the Iraqi people.

“I don’t want anybody to think this is the forgotten theater,” said McHugh. “Do your duty, do your jobs and continue to look out for each other,” he said. “This is the moment of success and you’re the folks that we are relying upon to make it happen,” said McHugh.

• Date Taken: 01.26.2011
• Date Posted: 01.26.2011 09:41
• Story ID: 64250
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ