Gates thanks Bush for commitment to troops [View All]

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WASHINGTON —

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, joined Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates in praising Bush during the armed forces farewell ceremony at Fort Myer, Va. . . .

‘‘The president’s deep regard and affection for our servicemembers and their families has played out in ways big and small,” (Gates) said. Gates pointed to examples: ‘‘surprise visits to Iraq and Afghanistan to shake hands and high-five service members, ... personal phone calls to those deployed over Thanksgiving, and even the occasional chest bump to unwary cadets.”

As he sent service members into harm’s way, Bush never hid from the human consequences of his decisions, Gates said. He made countless visits to wounded warriors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the National Naval Medical Center and other military hospitals. He and first lady Laura Bush also met with thousands of family members of wounded and fallen service members . . .

‘‘Mr. President, every day these volunteers execute your orders with courage and determination – facing down danger for the greater good of America,” he continued. ‘‘On behalf of more than 2 million men and women in uniform, we are deeply grateful for your leadership and service to America in a time of war.”

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