Defense Secretary holds town hall at Camp Victory

Photo By Timothy Koster | U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta speaks to service members during a town hall meeting at Camp Victory, Iraq, July 11. This is the first time Panetta has come to Iraq as the newly-appointed defense secretary.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

07.11.2011

Story by Spc. Karen Sampson 

U.S. Forces Iraq

BAGHDAD -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta held a town hall meeting with troops at Camp Victory, July 11.

Iraq is part of Panetta’s tour of U.S. military forces in deployed locations and meeting with defense counterparts in allied and partner nations.

“This is my first trip to Iraq as the secretary of defense,” said Panetta, the 23rd secretary of defense. A primary reason for this trip was to talk to the troops directly.

Before joining the Department of Defense, Panetta served as director of the Central Intelligence Agency from February 2009 to June 2011. Panetta also served as an army intelligence officer from 1964 to 1966.

“I wanted to meet with the men and women who are putting their lives on the line for our country,” said Panetta. “You are the ones I am responsible for. You are the ones I care about. I want to make sure you are protected, not only for yourself but for your families.”
Expressing his deepest thanks Panetta acknowledged the contribution the troops make with their public service of assisting with the Iraqi partnership.

U.S. assistance is critical and essential to the success of Iraq’s independence, said Panetta.

“As a result of the great sacrifice and work of the United States military this country is on a much better path. You have provided security here while this nation develops,” said Panetta.

“One of my great responsibilities is to make sure that I protect those who protect America.”

Panetta assured the troops, as they fight here, he intends to fight in Washington to make sure they receive the best support with training and benefits.

After Panetta’s address, he opened the floor to the troops to answer questions and concerns.

One of the many questions on the minds of troops was the status of withdrawal of forces in Iraq.

Panetta said we are responsible for assistance in providing a sense of stability.

“This is a region of the world that has a hell of a lot of turmoil,” Panetta responded. “Our responsibility is to insure whatever changes are taking place are hopefully headed in the right direction.”

Panetta was receptive to the questions of the troops, said Sgt. John M. Lockwood with the Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 25th Infantry Division. “He was very down to earth, personable and responded realistically to queries,” said Lockwood.
Panetta intends to hold meetings with Iraqi and American officials and military leadership.

Panetta also met with Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commanding general, U.S. Forces – Iraq, and also met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al- Maliki and President Jalal Talabani.

• Date Taken: 07.11.2011
• Date Posted: 07.11.2011 10:33
• Story ID: 73546
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ