Donald Rumsfeld Visits Fort Bliss, Talks Border Security

Greeted with cheers and American flags, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld spent Wednesday afternoon signing copies of his memoir at the Fort Bliss Post Exchange.

“Known and Unknown” spent several weeks atop the New York Times’ bestseller list.

For those in line, the chance to meet the politician-turned-author was worth the hours-long wait.

“It’s an honor to meet him,” one man told ABC-7.

“I’ve been standing in line and smiling for the last hour,” said one woman.

Once Rumsfeld finished with the signing, he took questions.

ABC-7 asked him for his thoughts on the drug violence across the border in Mexico.

“It’s enormously important to our country that the border be protected,” he said.

When asked if he supported the controversial border fence, Rumsfeld said, “I’m not on expert on what to do (in regard to border security.) I know the border fence has worked in some military areas.”

The proceeds of Rumsfeld’s book will go to military charities.