Posted on 09/30/2005 2:05:47 PM PDT by Chieftain
Pace Vows to Remember Impact of Advice on Servicemembers By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30, 2005 – Marine Gen. Peter Pace vowed today that as he gives his best military advice to the president and other members of the National Security Council, he "will remember not only the mission, but the impact it will have on the lance corporals and the airmen and the lieutenants junior grade and the captains." Pace became the first Marine to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff during an Armed Forces "hail ceremony" here today. He succeeds Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, who swore him into office.
"We have a lot of work to do," Pace said. "This moment in history is one where we have an enemy whose stated public intent is to destroy our way of life; 2.4 million American men and women in uniform say, 'Not on our watch.'"
Addressing the servicemembers attending and participating in the ceremonies, Pace called upon them to continue the work done by those who went before them. "Generations and generations of American fighting servicemen and women have sacrificed and died that we might have the freedoms we enjoy today," he said. "And it is now our moment in history -- you and I in uniform -- to protect those freedoms for our children and our grandchildren -- and protect them, we will."
Pace thanked President Bush for his confidence in him and for the president's steadfast leadership and unwavering support for men and women in uniform. "Every single one of us in uniform knows that you are leading us and know that you are supporting us at the same time, and it makes a huge difference to each and every one of us," Pace said.
The new chairman, who started his Marine career as a platoon leader in Vietnam at the Battle of Hue City, thanked the ceremonial troops who represent the 2.4 million members of the military. "It's a hundred degrees in Baghdad right now," he said. "We've got troops wearing flak jackets and helmets. It's 90 degrees in Kabul. They're doing the same thing there. Your performance on this parade deck and their performance protecting us overseas is, quite simply, awesome."
Bush said that he has come to know Pace well during the general's service as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "I appreciate his wisdom and commitment to serve, and I look forward to having Pete by my side in the years ahead," Bush said.
The president called Pace a brilliant thinker and an inspiring leader. "His life is the story of the American dream," Bush said. "From his early years in Brooklyn and New Jersey, to his days as a midshipman in Annapolis, to his decades of service in Vietnam and Thailand and South Korea and Somalia and elsewhere -- in every place he has been, Pete Pace has impressed those around him with his bravery, his knowledge and his devotion to duty."
The president said he knows Pace will build on the vital work set into motion under Myers.
Before he swore in Pace as the new chairman, Myers said he has been honored to serve alongside Pace.
Myers spoke of how George Washington was chosen as the commander of the Continental Army in 1775. The Continental Congress chose him "because they knew him; they trusted him; they knew his courage; they knew his integrity."
"Today, when our nation's ideals are once again at stake, it's appropriate to once again chose a military leader for the same reasons," Myers said.
"In my opinion, there's no finer officer in uniform anywhere in the world," he continued. "The president nominated him and the Senate confirmed him as chairman because they knew him, they trusted him, they knew his courage, and they knew his integrity."
What a statement by the top military man in the nation! He knows EXACTLY what the War on Terror is all about.
As a retired Marine, and father of twins who ship to Marine Corps boot camp in 17 days, I am very proud that General Pace is in that position. Semper Fidelis!
Oorah!
Devil Dog PING!
A man's Man.
This is a person to admire. He did a great job doing the briefings during OIF. Serious, personable, articulate, thoughtful and intelligent.
We are fortunate to have men like him leading our military.
A Marine! Great choice.
Congratulations on your sons' entry into the Corps, and may God bless you and them.
Yes. Thank you for your service, and your family's service. I sure am glad we have a Marine in charge there! Myers did a great job and I admire him as well, but I was gratified when I heard of the selection of General Pace.
From one proud Marine MOM to the Marine and soon to be Marine Dad, I say congratulations too. My Marine is promoted as of tomorrow and this MOM is Happy!!! He's proudly serving his second deployment in Iraq.
I am already resting easier now that Pace is in charge.
A Marine will get the job done with no "excuses."
( Now if we could just get Karpinski court martialed, my week would be pefect!)
It seems odd to me that Pace is the first Marine to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
The role of the JCS was revised by the Goldwater - Nichols act of 1986, and created the opportunity for a Marine to ascend to Chairman of the JCS. The Marine Corps gained great independence from that act.
Oorah!!
OOW-RAH! I like the sound of General Peter Pace! He's been there, speaks from experience, and cares about his troops in uniform.
Semper Fi,
J. Scott Davis
(former U.S. Navy gunner)
SEMPER FI
It was interesting to see General Casey and General Pace on the news tonight.QUITE a contrast.
I missed that one, but General Pace is a poster man for charisma and command authority, isn't he?
No, not "part of the Navy", but certainly under "Department of the Navy", hence the attached Corpsmen, etc. - so it's semantics.
Semper Fi! 1966-68
Semper Fi and OHH-RAH pride in the Corps!
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