TF Currahee welcomes US Secretary of Defense

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates answers questions from soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Task Force Currahee, during his visit to Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan, June 6. Gates, who retires at the end of the month, visited TF Currahee on the anniversary of D-Day to personally thank each one of the soldiers for their service and sacrifice. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Luther L. Boothe Jr.)  

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

06.09.2011

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force 1 - Afghanistan

PAKTIKA PROVINCE, Afghanistan—U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates made his 12th and final trip to Afghanistan, visiting soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Task Force Currahee at Forward Operating Base Sharana in Afghanistan’s Paktika province June 6.

Gates, who will retire in June, presented 30 TF Currahee soldiers with awards ranging from the Bronze Star with a Valor device to the U.S. Army Commendation Medal.

After the awards, Gates spoke to the men and women of Task Force Currahee and answered their questions.

“It somehow seems fitting that (we are) here on June 6th, on D-Day because of the role, the historic role that the 101st played then and has played ever since,” said Gates. “The 4th of 101st has made as big a contribution and sacrificed as much, I think, as any unit around. A 15-month tour in Iraq; here in 2008; coming here last August, 17 of your comrades paid the ultimate tribute, made the ultimate sacrifice. And I just wanted to come out here and thank you personally for what you've done, for what you've endured.”

The 14th cabinet member in history to serve two presidents, Gates, patiently answered each question from the soldiers.

As the questions came to an end, Gates looked into the crowd of Currahee soldiers and paused for a moment before addressing them.

“I really did want to come out here and thank you, one last time, for your service and your sacrifice,” said Gates. “Probably more than anybody, except the president himself, I am responsible for you being here. I am the guy that signed the deployment orders sending you here. That has weighed on me every day that I've had this job for four-and-a-half years. And so I've taken it as my personal responsibility to make sure that you had what you need to accomplish your mission, to come home safe and, if you get hurt, to be (medically evacuated) as quickly as possible and get the best possible care.

“I think about all of you every moment of every day,” he continued. “I feel your hardship, your sacrifice and your burden more than you can possibly imagine - and that of your families as well.”

The outgoing Secretary ended the discussion with what left many in the crowd holding back tears.

“I think you're the best America has to offer. My admiration and affection for you is without limit,” he said. “And each and every one of you will be in my prayers every day for the rest of my life. Thank you.”

The Currahee command team then presented Gates with a plaque and Currahee Battle Flag in appreciation of his visit and for his leadership over the past four-and-a-half years.

“Sir, words would fall far short in describing your service to our nation, but know for your four-and–a-half years as Secretary of Defense, before you stands your great legacy,” said U.S. Army Col. Sean M. Jenkins, TF Curahee commander . “We can’t thank you enough, and we ask that you accept this gift on behalf of all the Currahees, 20,000 strong to include 4,200 active duty, all our families, our children, a well as our Currahee veterans, for what you have done for our country during your time of service.”

Before his departure, Gates thanked each soldier present, shook their hand and give them a Secretary of Defense coin.

• Date Taken: 06.09.2011
• Date Posted: 06.08.2011 21:47
• Story ID: 71801
• Location: PAKTIKA PROVINCE, AF