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.