Obama's speech resonates with Troops

By Staff Sgt. Jessika Malott, 8th MP Bde. PAO, MND-BApril 10, 2009

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BAGHDAD - After an unannounced visit from President Barack Obama April 7, his first visit to Iraq since his inauguration, Soldiers in attendance at al-Faw Palace on Victory Base Complex recall what was said and are renewed with motivation to continue to put the Iraqi people back in charge of their country.

"It is time for us to transition to the Iraqis," said Obama. "They need to take responsibility for their country and for their sovereignty."

Many Soldiers were excited that their commander-in-chief made the journey to Baghdad to talk with them.

"It was an honor to be a part of President Obama's visit to this country and to hear his plan on giving back the reigns to the Iraqis," said Spc. Erin Marcotte, a native of San Jose, Ca. and an 8th Military Police "Watchdog" Brigade, Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldier. "He has greatly inspired me to continue doing my part in the mission of helping the Iraqis prosper into a more successful, sovereign nation."

Although there have been many improvements and vast progression in Iraq, Obama stressed to the Soldiers during his address in Baghdad that they should not lose momentum and continue to do what they have been doing.

"So now is not the time to lose focus," said Obama. "We have to be even more focused than we've been in order to achieve success."