The Pentagon heaped praise on President Obama on Wednesday at a farewell ceremony in Virginia, and gave him credit for neutralizing the Iranian nuclear threat, effectively fighting terrorism, and dropping the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy to ensure the best people can serve in the military.
“President Obama kept our nation safe, led a strategic transition in our defense strategy, strengthened our alliances and pursued new partnerships, and laid the foundation for a force of the future that will continue to win our nation’s wars,” an announcer said as Obama prepared to accept the Pentagon’s medal for distinguished public service.
“President Obama countered decisively the most immediate threat to our national security: terrorism,” the announcer added. “He directed the operation to kill Osama bin Laden, decimated al Qaeda’s terrorist network, put the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant on a path [inaudible], and developed counterterrorism platforms from South Asia to North Africa. He did so relentlessly, effectively, with increased transparency, and with strict accordance with our values.”
“Simultaneously, President Obama achieved verifiable nuclear disarmament of Iran, the gravest threat to security in the Middle East,” the announcer said.
Other excerpts from the award citation before Obama accepted his award:
“President Obama also recognized that security in the world cannot be America’s responsibility alone. He strengthened our alliances and pursued new partnerships.”
“In the Middle East, he strengthened Israel’s qualitative military edge, including with an unprecedented package of foreign military funding. But in an ever-changing world, President Obama recognized that America’s relationships must also change.”
“In all of this, President Obama recognized that the source of America’s greatest strength, including its military strength, is its people.”
“To ensure that the United States military stays the best, he understood that we must continue to attract, recruit, retain, develop and transition the best talent that our nation has to offer. His repealing of the don’t ask, don’t tell policy, and his support for opening all military occupations and positions to women, will help ensure that.”
“These and many other distinctive accomplishments of President Obama reflect great credit upon himself, the Department of Defense, and the United States of America.”
