Story by Sgt. Dennis Gravelle,
138th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
MOSUL, Iraq - Military personnel stationed at Forward Operating Base Diamondback, Mosul, Iraq had a rare opportunity to meet with the sixteenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Aug. 13.
Gen. Peter Pace thanked the service members present for their service and sacrifices and for what they have accomplished in Iraq.
"Thanks to you and your predecessors' hard work and dedication we have not only made Iraq a safer place, but we have also made the U.S. a safer place for our fellow citizens," Pace said.
After his opening comments he then took the time to answer questions from the audience, which consisted of Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen, who asked him about military pay, Soldiers strength, and troop retention.
He reassured all in attendance that the U.S. and its citizens support the job that all of the service members are performing in Iraq.
"I can't tell you how many times someone comes up to me, whether it's a senator, congressmen or everyday citizens, if I'm in uniform or not, and asks me to thank the service members for protecting them," he said.
Following the questions and answers session, every individual had the opportunity to meet Pace and personally received a coin with a handshake.