Army Secretary Pete Geren visits troops at Forward Operating Base Ghazni, as part of a visit to Afghanistan, Sept. 20, 2008.

As Secretary of the Army, I’ve met countless Soldiers, Family members, and Army Civilians-men and women who devote themselves to keeping our Army strong and ready, and our Nation safe.  It has been an extraordinary journey to work for those fine men and women – and their children – over the past 3 1/2 years. They are a part of a group of Americans who make up less than one percent of the U.S. population during this time of war.  They volunteer to do the hard and dangerous  jobs for our nation, and their Families stand along-side them every step of the way .  Our nation owes them a debt that we can never fully repay. 

This is the longest war that we have ever fought with an All-Volunteer Force. When the question was raised 30 years ago, when we launched the experiment of the all volunteer Army, if we could stay at war for eight years and not have to resort to the draft, most said, “No way.” They were wrong. Our Soldiers and Army Families proved them wrong.  Our Soldiers are volunteers, patriots, the pride of our nation – I will never forget their selfless spirit and commitment to service. I have been inspired by the service of our Soldiers and humbled by the sacrifice of their Families. The all volunteer force is a national treasure. 

More than anything else, I’ll remember the many examples of selfless service and devotion to duty.  Like the grievously  wounded Soldier at Walter Reed Medical Center who told me that he wouldn’t change a thing – if he had to do it all over again he’d still join the Army – but his only regret was that he wouldn’t  be able to rejoin his buddies.  I’ll remember conversations with family members, including those who suffered tragic losses, telling me how much their Soldier loved our country and their Army-they were doing what they loved. 

It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to work for Soldiers, Army civilians and Army Families.  For this “last time,” let me say thank you – Soldiers, Army Civilians, and Families – for what you’ve done for generations and for what you will do for generations to come.  Thank you.

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

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Check out the rest of Secretary Geren’s farewell interview series with Soldiers Radio and Television at www.youtube.com/soldiersmediacenter.