Air Force One lands at Wheeler-Sack Airfield Thursday afternoon
/ photo: Jim Kenyon
FORT DRUM -- The day after announcing his plan to draw down troops from Afghanistan, President Obama came to Fort Drum Thursday to explain his plan to those most directly affected.
Air Force One landed shortly before 2:30 p.m. at Wheeler Sack Airport on Fort Drum, where he was greeted by a delegation of local military officials. He then he paid a visit to a group of families gathered to witness his arrival. The President's motorcade took him to another part of the base, where he addressed a gathering of soldiers.
This was the President's first official appearance since Wednesday night's nationally televised address to the nation outlining his plans to eventually withdraw 33,000 troops from Afghanistan. He told troops at Fort Drum that the drawdown won't happen precipitously, but in a steady way that makes sure the gains they helped bring about would be sustained.
The President has announced he will begin reducing troop strength in Afghanistan by 5,000 troops this summer, another 5,000 by the end of the year, and 20,000 by the end of 2012. President Obama is assuring the American public that the troop reduction will allow Afghanistan to control its own future. The President said the job isn't finished and, in his words, "There's still some fighting to be done."
"We're still going to have 68,000. Frankly, the 10th Mountain is still going to be represented there until we have fully transferred to the Afghan military and security forces," said Obama.
Obama praised the soldiers' dedication and service, saying that they will "never forget" those who died in defense of their country. He pointed to the killing of Osama bin Laden, and told the 10th Mountain Division that "we have turned a corner" in the war in Afghanistan. The President said that the U.S. has trained 100,000 Afghan soldiers to help carry on the fight.
"Because of what you've done, areas like Kandahar are more secure than they've been in years. Because of you, we're now taking the fight to the Taliban, instead of the Taliban bringing the fight to us," he said.
Mr. Obama also met privately with families of soldiers killed in Afghanistan. It is significant that the president chose Fort Drum to further explain his troop reduction plan. The 10th Mountain Division is one of the most often deployed Army units in Afghanistan.
After his visit, Obama was scheduled to fly to New York City to attend Democratic Party fundraisers.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
