As a pause in the middle of the battles over the WH initial statements following the killing of Osama Bin Laden, I’d like to insert a moment of unity… A POTUS winged his way to Kentucky to award the Seal team with the Presidential Unit Citation, and to honor our military in general to a crowd of America’s finest at Fort Campbell.
The meat and potatoes of the speech starts post the intros, about 4’20” in.
will never threaten American again.
This was the speech and tone, if not more in a more abbreviated version, I wish we heard Sunday night. But it’s better late than never for me. I welcomed the Commander in Chief’s gracious acknowledgement of all those who enabled this mission’s success over the years.
The Presidential Unit Citation pictured above is the Naval ribbon, which would be appropriate for the Naval Seal team. But Fort Campbell is also the home of 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment – the highly specialized Army unit (aka the Night Stalkers) that carried Navy SEALs to bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan five days ago. It is unclear if this unit is also to be awarded the Army-Air Force Presidential Unit citation, pictured to the right. 
The POTUS met privately, behind closed doors, with members of the elite Seal team as well as their chopper support crews, prior to addressing the base’s assembly.
The speech before the crowd of troops was not only to publicly honor those who’s tireless work contributed to the Bin Laden mission, but to avail himself to honor many of Fort Campbell’s soldiers recently returned from Afghanistan.. many subject to multiple tours. In the past week, 949 troops with the 101st Airborne have returned from Afghanistan, with more expected the day after the POTUS speech.
“I had the privilege of meeting the extraordinary Special Operations folks…,” he told the crowd. “It was an opportunity for me to say for all the world, job well done, job well done.”
“They’re America’s silent professionals because their success demands secrecy,” he continued. “They could have chosen a life of ease, but like all of you, they trained for years, they’re battle hardened, they practiced tirelessly for this mission. And when I gave the order, they were ready.”
“These Americans deserve credit … but so does every person who wears the military uniform. This is the finest military the world has ever known, and that includes you, the 101st Division.”
The CiC address to the Fort Campbell troops comes on a day designated as Military Spouse Appreciation Day by a POTUS proclamation yesterday. This is a tradition carried forward by all CiC’s since it’s inception in 1984 by President Reagan. The military now sets aside the Friday before Mother’s Day each year to pay tribute to the spouses who play a vital role in the nation’s defense.
“When a member of our Armed Forces is deployed, an entire family is called to serve. The readiness of our troops depends on the readiness of our military families, as millions of parents, children, and loved ones sacrifice as well. This means supporting our military spouses is also a national security imperative. Earlier this year, my Administration released the report on military families, ‘Strengthening our Military Families: Meeting America’s Commitment,’ which marshaled resources from across our Government to identify new opportunities to support these patriots.
When it comes to our military, and military families, America’s political differences are set aside. And I thank the President for his private meeting, awards, and honor that both he, and the First Lady, bestowed on some of America’s best today.
Vietnam era Navy wife, indy/conservative, and an official California escapee now residing as a red speck in the sea of Oregon blue.
Mata, in time the speech as well as the assassination lies will be perfected. Listen to your critiques and make adjustments, it is a simple formula that children can follow.
The poor guy, how was he to know America would be tuned in to his overuse of the first person pronoun when describing the heroics of others; however, even Obama can learn from his mistakes.
In time they will figure out the right series of lies that will describe the raid in the best possible light. Surely you appreciate how difficult it is to explain a mission that he would have insisted on trying Bush as a war criminal if he had directed the same mission. Not that it was a “gutsy” decision for him, the “gutsy” part for him is seeing which set of lies the public likes the best.
It is becoming harder and harder to disguise his hypocrisy, lying only seems to compound his efforts.
The guy obviously needs a new battery of speech writers, but its hard to get talented people to jump on a sinking ship.
Have a good evening, catch you in the later.
I saw this today.
http://www.nationalreview.com/sites/default/files/nfs/uploaded/u814/vindication.jpg
And then I saw Obama’s speech which was much better than his other one.
Well done, Obama.
You kept all of the necessary Bush policies in place long enough to get bin Laden.
I hope we won’t need any of the ones you’ve dropped now that Osama’s scorpions are hopping mad.
In the spirit of the post, I’ll just say thank you, President Obama; and thank you to all those directly and indirectly involved in the hunt for bin Laden which resulted in his demise. God bless our heroes!
The people who serve, truly serve, our country deserve a lot better than they get. Personally, I’d like to know what happened to all of those involved in killing the Somali pirates to rescue the American they held hostage. Since they didn’t wait for His Olliness’ FBI to get there did any of them ever get another promotion let alone decoration?
The Navy Seals are special ops and don’t exist. Delta Force, Joint Task Force, and the Special Air Service are others that don’t exist. Pinning a unit citation on something that doesn’t exist is hilarious. The clown car tour does exist, unfortunately.
Oil guy, that is good, very good. There is probably a dress uniform in a glass case somewhere that will have the ribbon displayed for all the world to see. It will be a major tourist attraction; especially, for those students of the future who study the Obama Myth.
@ Skookum
First, as Word said…in the spirit of the post I can’t complain when the president does something I don’t like and complain when he doesn’t. Whether it is learned behavior or not, it was a good speech. He would be a fool not to ride this to the elections, I know if he had sat on the information we would make sure that followed him to the elections. In any event, he made the call and I give him credit.
As for SOs…I know for a long time Delta didn’t exist, but now they do. Their training and selection is still not known, as far as I know. Other SOs exist openly, including the SeALs. I’ve had a couple of friends that were SeALs and I’ve seen them in their whites. They are required to wear their ribbons just like everyone else. There is just a better than average chance that they won’t or can’t tell you how they got them. The ribbon or medal is awarded, but the order is sealed.
Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
@JustAl:
Same SEALs, Just Al!
Well, there’s the theory that Leon Panetta ordered the mission while The One was dithering, but the Seals did great regardless. More power to to them.
@Wordsmith, thank you, and @Aqua for exactly the type of replies I was hoping to hear. A nod to all, including the POTUS (even if only for 16 minutes of unity….), sans any side tangents, caveats or “buts”. It was a short and to the point speech, entirely appropriate for the audience… many of those veterans of multiple tours under the prior admin.
Larry asserted, more than once, that Obama penned his own Sunday statement. I don’t know where he gets that data, nor do I care enough to verify. But if he did, Obama would be wise to let his speech writers convey the message in the future. The difference and focus between the two speeches is obvious.
First, I believe that Aqua addressed that assumption to the contrary with his first hand knowledge. But whether or not one displays the awards of medals and ribbons – mandated as part of their uniform or not – is a different story than the higher ups taking the time to recognize the service with any award. I’m sure you could ask OT2 what he does with his medals, and how many drawers are filled with such. I’m equally sure he takes them with a grain of salt. But I’m quite positive he doesn’t disrespect them in the way that John Kerry did by tossing (someone else’s) medals over a fence in protest.
And yes, I do agree that so many do not get the adequate recognition. Or perhaps it wasn’t publicized. If the Wiki history of the various PUD’s is current and correct, these three unit specific (Army-AF, Navy-Marines and Coast Guard) awards are not exceptionally common. The Vietnam War had 30 such awards during the span of the that long war.
During OIF, there were seven such awards – four of the Army-Air Force, two Naval and one Marine citations. The entire Coast Guard was awarded their distinct PUD for their efforts in the Katrina aftermath in 2006.
This Seal operation – named Operation Neptune’s Spear – has been the first since either Katrina, or OIF. Wiki writers are busy filling in the Operation Neptune’s Spear “history”. Might be interesting to bookmark that, and watch how it evolves over time.
My last observation is, where are all the lib/progs who say that any FA author cannot, or will not, do a positive post on the POTUS? Nothing to say about the Friday speech? My my….
@MataHarley, #11:
I’m sure a lot of readers appreciated seeing such a post as this in FA. I certainly did.
Regarding our anonymous American heros, they’re probably OK with their anonymity. We should all feel easier that no one knows who they are or who and where their families are. If the state of the world someday changes for the better, a grateful country would be happy to know their names.
Thanks for taking us on another path. It was a much better day for the President and not only did those men deserve the honor of their face time with the CIC, they certainly deserved this award. Wondering if they will ever be able to wear this Naval ribbon publicly? how does that work for them? Just curious.
Missy, according to @Aqua, they do indeed wear them. They are unlikely to volunteer for what mission it was awarded. And the Wiki history supports this. I noticed that Seal teams One and Two, with their PUD’s during Vietnam, have blanks when it comes to why they received this award.
Looks like the honor is public. The circumstance for receiving that award is on a “need to know” basis.
@MataHarley:
Thanks, I didn’t see Aqua’s post and thank you for sending me back to read it, I always like his stuff.
Agree, Missy. I keep holding out hope that Aqua will one day grace us with a readers post submission.
I have read a book called “Rouge Warrior” by a US Navy Col Richard Marcinco. According to my reading; what was formerly known as “Seal team 6” is a special operations team who’s primary mission is hostage rescue/direct action and the men involved never give out their names, they are undercover; always. “Seal Team 6” operators not only remain anonymous until they retire but also never publicly receive credit for their work (until they write a book). Facts written by these former military officers are always in question. Although I would not put it past a former military officer to divulge Top Secret information; take their words (and mine) with a grain of salt. Privileged information eventually gets out one way or the other. That being said; I’m pretty sure “Seal Team 6” exists and if it does; those medals will never see outside of the solders closets. The Seal team sent to exterminate Osama Bin Ladin are really not a “Seal team” at all; but a counter-terrorist group and the most secretive one on the planet. They are silent professionals.
Read Col Richard Marcinco’s book, if you want his take on it. Once again; take it with a grain of salt. Col Richard Marcinco is pretty controversial and now that he has been discharged; he is out to make money.
*and he talks way to much for me to “like” him……
@Zac:
I read that book back in the 90’s, and enjoyed the stories about the Teams that he told, even if I didn’t exactly take it all in without some disbelief. A very likable, if scary, guy. I’d recommend it, as well, to anyone who wants a little more info on not only how the SEALs came to be, but also on the mentality of those unsung heroes.
As usual Aqua injects a degree of humility and personal experience into the commentary, thanks Aqua.
Word is also a gracious man.
Zac, I read the same book. There are a few problems. I don’t remember his rank, but he was navy, so I don’t think it was Colonel. He also did some time in the slammer for his activities and the allocation of funds. He maintains that there was professional jealousy among Naval Officers that led up to his prosecution. A sad case for a man who wanted only to serve his country as an elite warrior or so it seems on the surface (no pun intended).
Mata, I didn’t mean to rain on your parade, but (nothing said before the prelude of the caveat, but, is ever significant, it is the caveat itself that is the meat of the sandwich) I don’t believe anything the TOTUS has to say. Especially, after it has a chance to gauge the public’s response to a previous missive. Yes, I think the TOTUS needs new speech writers, he has depended on the hiring of lackeys, ideologues, and Useful Idiots for too much. I don’t believe Stalin surrounded himself with such mediocrity; Hell no, there were many places for UIs, ideologues, and lackeys, but not at positions of influence and power.
“Team six” can be best thought of as temporary. The members (Other than the Command officers) come and go as their particular talents are needed for specific missions.
It was named “6” to make the commies think we had 6 groups, when in reality it was the first, but only for a short while.
There is now a total of 5 (plus 1) groups. the odd-numbered work out of west coast, and the evens work out of the east coast.
Thanks Mata. You’re right as usual. ‘-)
PS. Aqua is right about the awards/ribbons…My Granada ribbon is the same one the Marines got.
Some thoughts on Unit citations. If you don’t know about the PPCLI, here are some facts. They own the 6 longest sniper shots in the world, the longest being slightly over 1 and a half miles. These are confirmed unlike the bs from the Brits. They have 2 unit citations. The first was in Italy when they were the backbone of the very first special operations group ” The Devil’s Brigade”. Who hasn’t seen that movie? That was 1 PPCLI out of Calgary. The second was the heroic defense of a hill in Korea where everybody bugged out and they faced thousands of Communist Chinese. That was 2 PPCLI out of Shiloh, Manitoba. This is not an American unit, of course. They are beginning to fill a second battle flag because they basically started at Vimy Ridge in 1917. As an engineer, I was always attached to them and later transferred to them as an NBC officer. Over 110,000 have served in this 3500( full strength) regiment. I fought with them in Bosnia. I never wear medals because I feel its more important to be active as an alumnus. Thats me being me, or better still like my dad.
Please forgive me. 3 PPCLI has a unit citation from the S Korean government .
We are closing in on 200 war deaths in Afghanistan, with more than half being PPCLI.
If anyone is interested, here are the transcripts of the DoD press release from yesterday.
http://www.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=4820
@Skookum, LOL! You didn’t rain on the parade. I was somewhat curious. Heaven knows that everyone here knows I’m not fan of this POTUS… nor his general leadership of our military. And I could certainly take apart every event and find what annoys me.
But I was waiting to see when Obama would actually give due credit to those who deserved it, because he certainly did not do so in the Sunday night statement. I do believe his parade got rained on for the WTC “closure” visit when two looming figures – Bush and Rudy – declined to participate. So we heard no speech there… tho I don’t think that was his handlers’ original idea.
That makes this speech his only official statement since Sunday. And I thought it was entirely appropriate, and a massive improvement over his prior attempt. I also don’t think that his thanks to the military are disingenuous. No, he’s not got the warm comraderie that Dubya felt. But I think – within his scope of emotions – he is genuine in his respect. I say within the emotions scope because this community organizer has never served. Living that life daily – as one who serves, or as a military family member – gives a different perspective on the life of service to country and Constitution. Bush experienced that. This POTUS never has.
Overall, I think I was just hoping that… for a very narrow focused event… we could actually give a thumbs up to a POTUS who lavished praise on those due that praise. Even if delayed.
This is where I’m coming from. Remember when the SAS took down the 9 Palestinians during the London embassy bombing episode on Maggie Thatcher’s watch. They were honored. When, where, by whom?
In 2004 Vice Admiral Robert Harward( Seal team 3 and Task Force K Bar leader) chose Joint Task Force over Seal units, Delta, SAS, Royal Marines and Commandos, Polish GROM and Rangers for night insertions in Afghanistan,that entailed assassinations, kidnappings and demolitions. His words were world class, high attrition, and mortality. They got a unit citation. When, where, and by whom?
Patraeus should be handing this well deserved award in nowheresville, Afghanistan.
Your precedent running around doing pirouettes and handing out tulips, makes for terrible theatrics. This my opinion from an outsider looking in.
@ Oil Guy
President Reagan gave the Granada SeAls a quiet and “personal” visit, as you implied in you allusion to Better Days…We lost 4 in an accident that opening day, and no one knew except those directly involved, their families, and Command for a very long time.
Excuse me Skookum; his name is spelled “Marcinko” and I think he held the rank of Commander. Never having personally met a SEAL, I obviously only know what I’ve read and Rouge Warrior was a book I’ve read some time ago. The closest I’ve known to SEALs are four RANGERs; each of them were men I regarded as “real men” of great character and each of them made me question my direction in life, I have great respect for those men. Marcinko never seemed to display much in the way of character, instead opting for a “tough guy” kind of image. Personally I didn’t think it represents what I would have written and none of the RANGERs I’ve known seem to care much for theatrics, or guys who have mouths that sound as though they surpass their experience, they were all rather humble; considering what they had undergone as RANGERs. A quick search online proves my point; Richard Marcinko later came out with a video game where he played the main character, it was a total flop but I’m sure it has not stopped him from talking up his experiences. He owns a security contracting business as well, I’m sure the theatrical book and game helped him to gain some business recognition. A far better book about SEALs in my opinion was “Lone Survivor”.
Pat Van you are an actual SEAL?
Pattvan, That’s the way to honor special ops.
I read plenty on Grenada, the failed mission in Iran, the needless mission on the island off Vietnam, Blackhawk Down, etc. I’m no expert. I’m a casual to fervent observer and somewhat of a military historian.
I personally know two special op types. One is ex PPCLI who had the aircraft take over training that was given up by the RCMP. The other is an ex seal from Orlando, Florida. I met him through family connections and he is completely genuine. Both are quiet types, and both are quite humble.
Special ops fail from too many cooks, too many military branches looking for funding, mixing up units, putting too much on their plate, and poor intelligence.
This Geronimo mission is special because no one got hurt or killed.
Hey Oil Guy, my close friend who is now a security contractor, started out as an engineer, underwater demolitions guy and then a combat diver, I don’t know if he was PPCLI, I guess he must have been considered Canadian special ops. He spent a long time training with the US SF guys and has since spent a lot of time working out of the US. He told me that out of the 100 fellows that started combat diver selection, only about 20 made it through; tough course. Can’t say enough good things about him, he is a gentleman and patriot.
Patvann, hi, I am convinced even if it where very well prepared that MISSION was the most dangerous one they did, and I think you know it being one of them, and those who know close enough must have
thought about it, like OIL GUY FROM ALBERTA, I find it so incredible that It’s almost impossible that nobody lost their life, as it realy was SUICIDE MISSION, we just have to mentaly reconstruct their mouvements all along including the crash of the helycopter, some will make a movie with that MISSION,
they deserve all the credit for it,
PV, you need to drop in more often, you web toed guys are pretty special these days. Congrats to your guys.
Oil Guy, I love hearing about the PPCLIs, but very few of the American readers are familiar with the unit and their significance. Please consider an historical piece on them. I think some of our guys would be impressed. Thanks for your service and your integrity.
There is a military museum in Calgary that is devoted to the unit, it is a tremendous experience if you have a free afternoon in Calgary.
@ Mata
Maybe one day. I’m working on my Master’s so I can really make Greg’s most wanted list. 🙂
LOL Aqua. Well, I would request a reader’s post before I exit this planet… so step it up, please.
Thanx Skookum, an ally I can count on. The Museum Of The Regiments is improving every year. Kudos to the Canadian Legion and regimental alumni.
I’m so happy for you guys getting that sob. Justice Baby! Americans are too kind and too generous. Muslim rites and a burial at sea! I picture him in a pickle jar sitting on ground zero. There’s a pack of bacon hanging from his mouth and a fireman’s axe sticking up his arse. Jus sayin.
Oil Guy, I like that plan. It’s probably a good thing you and I aren’t in charge of funeral arrangements. The weather must be nice in Calgary now. Have a good day sir!
Another Vet, thank you for the link, I found very informative, and long till the end, but I stayed on it,
my take is yes the intelligence organisation are very effective maybe too slow to my taste but
It’s very understandeble to come up at the end with a MISSION to bring a conclusion to their non stop search into the finest minuscule and dangerous elements of the search.
WE HAVE TO COMMAND THOSE INVISIBLE PEOPLE FOR THEIR UNRELENTED WORK ON THE PROJECT SO ELABORATED AND DIFFICULT THAT ONLY COULD BE ACHIEVE BY THE BEST EXPERTS THERE IS.
A BIG PRAISE TO THEM
@ilovebeeswarzone< One of the biggest challenges of intelligence has always been processing the information and turning into actionable intelligence in a timely manner so it can be used by the folks on the ground who need it to accomplish their mission. The intel folks don't always get it right either. After all these years it's still an art not a science. These folks did good.