Fort Hood, Texas - The crisp, cool air carried a sense of appreciation, recognition and pride as approximately 9,000 Soldiers gathered specifically to hear Richard Cheney, Vice President of the United States of America, speak on Cooper Field Feb. 26.
Within the vast crowd of troops, Sgt. Donald Davis, a transportation noncommissioned officer with Company A, 115th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, reflected on the vice president's visit to recognize the 1st Cavalry Division's hard work during the 15-month deployment to Iraq the division just returned from.
"Being here and hearing him speak is an honor. I was very excited when we were told he was coming back," said the Joliet, Ill., native.
Cheney spoke about "the undeniable" success and progress made during the 1st Cavalry Division's tour but also stated that "it's not irreversible" and that there is still work to be done.
"We aren't done yet, the fight is not over," Davis boldly stated paralleling Cheney's speech.
Davis rushed through the crowd following Cheney's speech to get the rare opportunity to shake his hand. "I can feel the appreciation, he understands the job we have to do and that we are in harm's way," he shared.
Davis' role in Iraq was to supply the forward elements with essential supplies to enable them to conduct their operations as well as teaching, training and eventually partnering with the Iraqi Army in logistical support.
"I firmly believe we have to introduce freedom and democracy in that area. Nobody has anything against freedom-nobody does," Davis said.
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