CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait -- Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel said he understood the problems facing deployed Soldiers during the holiday season.
"There's some reflection of the holiday spirit here and I always admire that," Hagel told a gathering of several hundred service members Dec. 8, referring to his service during the Vietnam War. "Once upon a time I was away from home over a holiday period in a different kind of war, so I have some understanding of what you and your families deal with."
Hagel was in the midst of a multi-day tour of the region, during which he paid visits to Soldiers in places such as Tactical Base Gamberi in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Iraq. It was likely his last major overseas visit, as he officially tendered his resignation Nov. 24. Ashton Carter, a former deputy secretary of defense, was nominated as his successor, but Hagel will continue in the role until Carter is confirmed by Congress.
During a question-and-answer session with the troops, including many Soldiers with the 1st Infantry Division -- whose 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team and elements of the Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion are at the base in northern Kuwait -- Hagel was asked about his desired legacy.
"We all have the privilege of serving in our own way, our own capacity in our own time, and we should all take advantage of that privilege," he said. "You are as special a group of people as there is in the world, and to be part of that is the highest privilege anyone could have."
Upon arrival at Camp Buehring, Hagel first visited the maintenance facility of 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st ABCT, 1st Inf. Div., where he viewed a wide array of vehicles and crews and met with Soldiers.
"We highlighted the entire brigade combat team with the displays but focused on the hard work required by those non-combat arms (military occupational specialties) who diligently work behind the scenes to support the combat crews," said Lt. Col. David DeFelice, commander of 4th Sqdn., 4th Cav. Regt. "In a motorized or mechanized force, sustainment of our combat platforms is as important as maintaining our tactical capabilities."
DeFelice said Hagel reacted positively to the experience.
"He was extremely impressed with the amount of effort required and displayed by the entire team," DeFelice said. "He repeatedly mentioned to the troopers that without their hard work we would not be prepared when called upon, and commented on the great sense of teamwork displayed."
Soldiers who have excelled in their field were selected by their commanders to receive commemorative coins from the secretary.
"That made me feel really great," said Pfc. James Kupek, a forward observer with DHHB, 1st Inf. Div., and a Gramby, Massachusetts, native. "For him to come out and meet Soldiers, it helps boost morale."
Hagel then spoke to assembled service members, praising their commitment and efforts in maintaining readiness, in particular in the effort against ISIL.
"What you're doing here, this joint task force, is really the centerpiece. It is the pivot point, it is absolutely critical to everything that happens," he said. "This business of what you do right here is essential to make it all work, along with the 60 coalition partners that have been assembled to degrade and defeat ISIL."
Hagel said that although it might be a geopolitically uncertain time and new challenges continue to emerge, U.S. and coalition troops are helping to shape the future in a positive way.
"You're defining a future, you're defining your world with what you do every day, and every job, every component is important," he said.
Social Sharing