Army Chief of Staff visits Forward Operating Base Warrior Soldiers

Photo By Spc. Karla Elliott | (Left) Army Chief of Staff, Gen. George W. Casey, sits next to Maj. Gen. Robert Caslen, commander of 25th Infantry Division and Multi-National Division - North, Task Force Lightning, during an operations and intelligence briefing while visiting Forward Operating Base Warrior, in Kirkuk province, Iraq, on Dec. 22, 2008. After the brief, Casey spent time talking with lower enlisted Soldiers.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

12.22.2008

Story by Spc. Karla Elliott 

11th Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Karla P. Elliott
11th Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq – Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey spent time with troops, Dec. 22, 2008, during the last stop on his seven-day tour around the world to visit U.S. Soldiers stationed in countries including South Korea, Japan, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Iraq.

"I can't tell you enough how much the leadership of the Army and myself, personally, appreciate what you're doing and appreciate the sacrifices your families are making to make a difference in Iraq," Casey said. "Thank you very much for what you do."

After an operations and intelligence briefing about Kirkuk province, Casey spent time with non-commissioned officers and officers to answer any questions they had. Some of the topics included how the rules of engagement will change as the progress in Iraq continues, and concerns about deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.

He ended his meeting with the NCOs and officers by expressing his gratitude toward their service and leadership.

Following his Q-and-A session with NCOs and officers, he met with a group of junior enlisted Soldiers, and thanked them individually for their service to their country.

"America is the beacon of hope; you, Soldiers, are what's making that beacon shine," Casey told them.

• Date Taken: 12.22.2008
• Date Posted: 01.03.2009 08:33
• Story ID: 28411
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ