Interview of the President by Pentagon Channel/AFN
Map Room
March 19, 2008
1:37 P.M. EDT
Q Sir, I want to thank you for this opportunity that you’ve given us to talk to you.
THE PRESIDENT: It’s my honor.
Q Today is the fifth-year anniversary of the U.S. military presence in Iraq. And my first question for you would be: As Commander-in-Chief, what are the areas you are most focused on, and most proud of, as U.S. forces and the Iraqi forces continue to work towards stability and security in Iraq?
THE PRESIDENT: I’m most proud of the performance of our troops. We have asked a lot of our military and the military families. We’ve got men and women who have been to both theaters in the war on terror multiple times, and that’s a strain and it’s hard, and I understand it is. On the other hand, our troops know it’s necessary.
I am focused on making sure that we do not allow the sacrifice that has gone over the last five years to go in vain; that we end up making the hard decisions now, and helping the Iraqis now to develop a peaceful and free society in the heart of the Middle East, which will enable the next generation’s children to grow up in a peaceful world — or the next generation to grow up in a peaceful world.
And so I’m pleased with the progress. It’s been hard. It’s been really hard. It’s been hard on our country. It’s been hard on the military, but I’m proud of the fact that the military has been so steadfast and courageous.
Q Speaking of the military and their families, you meet with many family members, many spouses, on a regular basis, of those that are lost and wounded in the conflicts — a difficult situation, I’m sure. Could you take a moment and just tell us what it’s like meeting with them, and what you say to them and what they say to you?
THE PRESIDENT: Sure. First of all, obviously each circumstance is a little different — and you’re right, I’ve met with a lot. Let me first start with the wounded. Generally what happens is, is that, in a place like Walter Reed or Bethesda, a solider will look at their Commander-in-Chief and say, I can’t wait to get back in the battle, which obviously — first of all, it’s just so inspiring to me, but also has got to change the perspective of their family a little bit.
Secondly, with the wounded, I am obviously always conscious to make sure that these kids — these soldiers — people in uniform get the best care. And I truly believe they are. And I love our doctors and nurses. It’s unbelievable the care they get. +++++++++++++this interviw was conducted by the pentagon channel.
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