Air Force Link
General Myers praises troops, addresses concerns

Story Tools
 Printable story  E-mail story

 Add yourself to one of various Air Force e-mail subscriptions here Subscribe now

Related Biographies
 GENERAL RICHARD B. MYERS


by Senior Airman Deanna McClay
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs


10/29/2004 - DALLAS (AFPN)  -- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers addressed this year’s Airlift/Tanker Association convention here Oct. 29 with one main goal in mind.

“I wanted to look you in the eye and tell you how important you are to this great country of ours. You are our future,” he said. “Thank you for what you do.

Besides expressing his gratitude, the chairman also answered questions ranging from strategies for pacing operations in the extended war on terror to long-term plans for an American presence in Iraq.

Although the services are working on pacing themselves, he said Air Force officials are handling the high operations tempo reasonably well with the air and space expeditionary force system.

He offered his perspective on the war on terrorism and encouraged attendees to take pride in an effort that will likely be a long one.

“This isn’t a short sprint; we’re running a ‘marathon for freedom,’ and it’s the most important race we’ve ever run,” the general said.

“This war is about two opposite and incompatible visions of the world competing -- one of tolerance, democracy, freedom, justice and hope on one hand, versus intolerance oppression, violence, and most importantly, fear on the other. The question is, ‘What kind of world do we want to leave to our children and grandchildren?”’

While there is still a long way to go on the path to democracy, the fruits of the military effort are already apparent, General Myers said. He mentioned the progress the military has made in deployed locations like Afghanistan and said, “the road to democracy is a tough one, but the hard work is underway.

“We’re making great progress,” he said. “It’s probably hard to get a real feel for that unless you’re living in a place like Iraq, Afghanistan or Djibouti.”

Describing the importance of the recent election to furthering democracy in Afghanistan, General Myers said that the people of that war-torn country went from a tyrannical regime to their first election, an event made possible by America’s military presence.

“If you think about it, (the progress) is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of all of you,” he said.

The prospect of eventual stability in Iraq led to a question concerning the possibility of permanent U.S. bases in Iraq.

“That remains to be seen,” the general said. “If we stay on track with the elections in Iraq scheduled for January, the new government might have a whole different view of coalition forces. That will be up to the new Iraqi government.” (Courtesy of Air Mobility Command News Service)




 Advanced Search

• Deployed Airmen getting new physical training uniform first

• Officials investigate training incident

• Third DOS rollback takes effect

• Multinational exercise begins in South Atlantic

• Air Force selects 566 new chief master sergeants

• San Diego State soaks Air Force swimmers, 177-122

• Commissary scholarship program enters fifth year

• Prop-er maintenance

• Airmen may wear medals while awaiting system updates

• Danger disposal

• Panel discusses people, command and control, IT

• Gary Sinise visits Luke, performs for troops

• American Indian business ‘proud provider’ to Uncle Sam

• New York Airmen provide medical equipment for refugees

• Officials stress troop support mail policy

Near-squashing teaches value of asking for help
 Contact Us Security and Privacy notice