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380AEW Article

Secretary of Defense visits 380th Air Expeditionary Wing

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Timothy Boyer
  • 380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --      U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel spoke to more than 200 Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors April 25 at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.
    During the All Call, Hagel thanked servicemembers for their commitment and service to their country.
    "Thanks for what you're doing," he said. "You are a very big part of helping keep our world secure, safe and stable. It's not easy, but it's worth doing."
    Hagel discussed a variety of issues spanning from tuition assistance to sequestration.
    "Tuition assistance is important for all the reasons that you know and we'll continue to make it a priority," he said. "In the scope of the budget realities, we have had to make some tough choices to comply with budget cuts. The readiness of the men and women who are out on the front lines, that's number one. We're balancing that now and it's not easy. As important as tuition assistance is and will continue to be, it was not on the same level as supporting our readiness."
    The defense secretary then discussed his vision of the future for the armed forces.
    "Budget should never hold hostage a nation's interest or security, but it is part of what we live with, so we've got to adjust to the reality of those budgets," he said. "But this is all anchored in the environment of having a ready, adaptable, flexible, agile and committed force."
    Hagel then discussed what he describes as the nation's most valuable asset.
    "I've always admired anyone who makes the armed forces a career," he said. "The one asset an institution has that is more valuable than anything else is its people. We have to take care of the people, and we're committed to do that. The force is the highest priority."
    After the All Call, Hagel took time to meet each of the more than 200 service members in attendance, showing his gratitude for the Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors here.
    "Thank you and your family for the sacrifices you're making for our country and the efforts that you are all making for a better world," Hagel concluded.