Obama visits I Corps troops

President’s arrival highlights unit’s recent takeover of Multi-National Corps – Iraq

Spc. Christopher M. Gaylord/13th Public Affairs Detachment

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – President Barack Obama made his first trip to Iraq as commander in chief Tuesday, greeting thousands of U.S. service members at Camp Victory’s Al Faw Palace in Baghdad.

The president spoke before a vast crowd of elated troops huddled together in the rotunda of the palace just three days after Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr. and I Corps took command and control of day-to-day operations throughout the country.

Obama opened up by praising the performance of U.S. troops and the positive gains achieved in support of the Iraqi people by many successfully executed missions.

“You have performed brilliantly in every mission that has been given to you,” he said. “You have given Iraq the opportunity to stand on its own as a democratic country. That is an extraordinary achievement, and for that, you have the thanks of the American people.”

Standing before the audience, the president expressed his admiration for the focus service members have kept on their tasks-at-hand despite numerous adverse circumstances.

“Through controversy and difficulty and politics, you’ve kept your eyes focused on just doing your job,” Obama said, citing the riddance of Saddam, reduced levels of violence and a successful provincial election as direct reflections of progress since the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Obama noted that the next 18 months in Iraq will be a vital period, as the U.S. assists the Iraqi populace in taking control of its country and garnering confidence in its government and its security forces.

“They (the Iraqi people) need to take control, for their country and for their sovereignty,” Obama said, adding that the utmost commitment of U.S. troops to their success and training their security forces is essential.

Acknowledging the difficulties of separation deployed military members on multiple rotations suffer in defense of their nation, the president reassured them of his commitment to support of their families and their home lives.

“I want you to know that Michelle and myself are doing everything we can to provide additional support to military families,” Obama said.

He closed by ensuring troops that their sacrifices and many achievements will never go unnoticed and reinforced his gratitude to the waves of service members, assuring them he would continue to offer dedicated support in their honor.

“We have not forgotten what you’ve already done, we’re grateful for what you will do, and as long as I’m in the White House, you’re going to get the support that you need and the thanks that you deserve from a grateful nation.”