Cheney Tells Texas Troops That Surge Was Successful

By ANGELA K. BROWN Associated Press Writer

FORT HOOD, Texas (AP) – Vice President Dick Cheney on Tuesday thanked thousands of soldiers who recently returned from Iraq, saying “we must press on” so progress in the war on terror won’t be lost.

About 19,000 1st Cavalry Division soldiers were deployed to Iraq about 15 months ago. Even more troops – none from Fort Hood – were sent in early 2007 as part of President Bush’s troop surge, and about half of those were under the 1st Cavalry’s command in Baghdad.

“It was time for a new strategy, backed up by a surge of forces … and you did in fact turn things around,” Cheney told the crowd of about 9,000 soldiers. Many stood; others sat on bleachers in front of enormous American flags draping walls covered with camouflage netting.

Cheney said the surge helped stem violence, resulting in fewer U.S. troop and Iraqi civilian casualties. He also said it paved the way for political progress, which “would not have been possible in the violent atmosphere 15 months ago.”

“All of you have been part of an effort that will go down in military history. Because of you, the people of Iraq will see a better day ahead,” Cheney said. “There is, of course, more to be done. Progress is undeniable, but it is reversible. We must press on.”

Cheney didn’t mention the upcoming U.S. general election and how it might affect the war. The likely Republican nominee, John McCain, has consistently backed the war and supported the troop increase.

Democrat presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton opposed the surge and has called for starting to bring troops home within two months of taking office. Clinton has lost 11 consecutive primaries and caucuses to rival Barack Obama but is counting on victories March 4 in Texas and Ohio.

Obama opposes the war and has called for combat troops to be out within 16 months. Some soldiers at Tuesday’s rally said they appreciated Cheney’s visit and agree that troops must continue fighting in Iraq.

“If they were to pull out, then everything that we have accomplished would mean we wasted our time,” said Spc. Chris Arnett of Hillsboro. Cheney said the U.S. has avoided another terrorist attack not because of luck but hard work and improved security.

“Yes, we have interrogated high-value detainees and gotten information that has saved American lives,” Cheney said. “It’s good that we captured them, and it’s good that we found out what they knew.”

After speaking at the Central Texas Army post, Cheney was headed to Midland for a private reception for U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)