The Army is no stranger to farewells, but it doesn’t make them any easier. The Army’s goodbye to the Secretary of the Army Pete Geren is no exception.Geren leaves a positive legacy and a string of innovative programs that dramatically improved our Army. He came into this position when warrior care was being scrutinized and on the verge of some of the toughest of times.
Geren was in the Pentagon Sept. 11, 2001 when terrorists flew a plane full of people into the building. “That day, I watched Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines go to the sound of the explosion,” he said. “And for eight years, I’ve watched them go off to war – I’ve watched many of you go off to war. And I have watched your families stand by you. I have been inspired by your service and humbled by your sacrifice.”
Secretary of the Army Pete Geren has placed Soldiers and Army families in the front position throughout his career and continued to do so even at his farewell.
At a small farewell ceremony at the Pentagon, he read a poem intended to remind those in attendance ofwho has given us our most fundamental gifts. The Soldier.
It is the soldier, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the soldier,
who salutes the flag,
who serves under the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag
By: Charles M. Province
Please take the time to bid your farewell to Secretary of the Army Pete Geren by sharing your comments.
Check out the rest of Secretary Geren’s farewell interview series with Soldiers Radio and Television at www.youtube.com/soldiersmediacenter.
Secretary Geren,
I never had the opportunity to meet you, but the effects you have had on the Army have been profound. Obviously, taking care of Soldiers and their families is a high priority, but also funding for wounded Soldiers, weapons, and new construction have been important. One thing that your successor can take away is making single Soldier welfare on par with married (and dual-service) Soldiers.
Congratulations. Good luck and God Speed.
Secretary Geren,
As an Army Reservist and an Army Civilian, I thank you for your service to our great country and to the Army and mostly for putting the soldier first. God’s speed. Army Strong!
Secretary Geren,
It’s been an honor to have met you on several occasions and attend your farewell ceremony at Fort Myer. The impact that you’ve had on the US Arm has been extremely positive and shows the true traits of the great leader that you are. You have left the US Army in a much better condition and your accomplishments will be remembered by the Soldiers, their families and a grateful nation. You have orchestrated and paved the way for them to become Army “STRONGER!”
Thank you and I wish you Godspeed in the path of life.
Sincerely,
John Michael
Alexandria, VA
http://www.John-Michael.net
Dear Pete,
Well done good and faithful servant! You have served your Lord & country with such honor and humiltiy. The Lord has truly been glorified by your faithfulness & service to our country. I know you have lifted up His name and we as believers in Christ have been so amazed by all He has accomplished through you.
It was so great to see you in the Pentagon a few years ago . I had hoped we could have brought our grandchildren to see you. Especially the teenage boys so they would see how the Lord places His servants where He wants them for His glory. Let us know what your future holds. We would still love to visit DC with all our family soon.
Your fellow soldier,
Cindy Dorman