Defense Secretary Rumsfeld visits Mosul
UPDATE: Photos added below.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 11, 2005) – United States Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld made a surprise visit to Coalition troops in northern Iraq today. Rumsfeld visited with troops, gave out awards, and visited local Iraqi leaders while in Mosul.
Rumsfeld’s first stop on his unexpected visit was to the military hospital at Mosul Air Field. Rumsfeld visited with members of the 228th Combat Support Hospital and a recently wounded Soldier. Sgt. Sean Ferguson of the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment got a visit from Secretary Rumsfeld one day after he was shot in the hand. When asked by Rumsfeld what he could do for him, Sgt. Ferguson replied he wanted to make sure he could stay in Iraq and return to duty with his squad upon recovery.
Following his visit at the hospital Rumsfeld handed out awards to Iraqi, U.S., and Albanian troops for their meritorious service during the Iraqi elections. Rumsfeld congratulated each of the troops personally and spoke about the importance of freedom to the Iraqis. He also highlighted the need for Iraqi Security Forces to continue to take the lead on security measures in their country so that they can maintain their newly found freedom.
Rumsfeld’s final stop was to the Joint Coordination Center in Mosul. There he met with local Iraqi leaders and discussed the success of the election as well as the upcoming challenges the local government faces.
Both Iraqi leader and U.S. troops described Rumsfeld’s visit as a huge boost for morale.
Click on the following photos to view a full-size version.
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld visits with Sgt. Sean Ferguson, now a two-time Purple Heart recipient, at the military hospital in Mosul. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John Franzen)
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld addresses troops at a ceremony honoring Iraqi, U.S., and Algerian troops for their service during the Iraqi elections. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John Franzen)
