Obama Visits Fort Bliss; Phones Bush As Combat Mission Set To End In Iraq
President Barack Obama told U.S. troops on Tuesday that the end of combat operations in Iraq is “not going to be a victory lap,” not a cause for celebration.
“There’s still a lot of work that we’ve got to do to make sure that Iraq is an effective partner with us,” he said just hours before addressing the nation on the end of the U.S. combat role in Iraq.
Obama spoke with troops at a dining hall on this Army base in El Paso. The base has been central to the war effort. The soldiers were among those combat troops recently returned from Iraq.
“Welcome home,” Obama said to shouts of “hooh-uh.”
Obama flew to the base to thank the troops for their sacrifice in the long and unpopular war, one he had opposed.
“Congratulations on a job well done. The country appreciates you,” Obama said.
“Iraq has an opportunity to create a better future for itself and the U.S. is more secure” because of that mission, Obama said.
Of his upcoming speech, Obama said, “It’s not going to be a victory lap. It’s not going to be self-congratulatory.”
Obama noted that there remained “a tough fight ahead in Afghanistan…a tough slog.”
Following his remarks, Obama shook hands with each of the soldiers and family members gathered in the base dining hall, asking where they or their loved ones had served.
As he exited the room, Obama said, “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this time with you and see all of you face to face. Just know that we’re all thinking about you and all praying for your families.”
To those who will face future missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, Obama said, “We will be relentless in making sure you have what you need to come home safely.”
Obama, along with Rep. Silvestre Reyes-D- El Paso, arrived at Biggs Army Airfield on Fort Bliss shortly after 10 a.m. Mountain Time. El Paso Mayor John Cook gave Obama a jar of his barbecue sauce.
Aides say Obama placed a call to former President George W. Bush from Air Force One Tuesday as he flew to Fort Bliss ahead of his address the nation on Iraq from the Oval Office at 6 p.m. Mountain Time.
Deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes said the call to Bush lasted a few minutes. But neither he nor others would relate what was said. Republicans have criticized Obama for opposing both the war and Bush’s troop surge plan while preparing to note with fanfare the successful handover of control to Iraqi forces.
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