KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --
During his
first week on the job, newly sworn in Secretary of Defense, the Hon. Ashton Carter,
traveled to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Feb. 22 to thank troops for their
dedication to the Resolute Support Mission and acknowledge the strides they, in
conjunction with their coalition and Afghan partners, have made toward the
betterment of the region.
In addition
to personally recognizing and shaking the hand of every servicemember present,
Carter fielded questions from Airmen, soldiers and Marines on topics ranging
from possible amendments to retirement policy, to sequestration and force shaping.
Throughout
the day, Carter reiterated his commitment to those who wear the uniform,
expressing his personal gratitude as well as extending thanks on behalf of the
Department of Defense and the citizens of the United States.
“You're
what I wake up to every morning,” Carter said. “I never forget for one minute
that you're here and what you're doing, the sacrifice that being here entails
and the risk that it entails for you.”