Vice President to Troops: "We are indebted to you"
Story Created:
Jul 28, 2010 at 3:51 PM EST
Story Updated:
Jul 28, 2010 at 5:34 PM EST
FORT DRUM, N.Y. (WKTV) - Vice President Joe Biden was in Fort Drum on Wednesday to personally greet 10th mountain troops that are back from Iraq.
The vice-president also reiterated what President Obama promised, and that is that all U.S. Troops will be out of Iraq by the end of next year.
The unfortunate part of Wednesday's ceremony is that not all of the 2nd brigade combat team was at Fort Drum to see the Vice President, as many were still on their way home.
However, for the ones who were present, they said it was an honor, as well as a nice homecoming surprise.
"We are indebted to you," Vice President Biden told the troops. "We owe you. Thank you. Thank you."
Three quarters of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th mountain division is home, with their families
"It's great to be home," said Captain Robert Killian. "My wife is visiting. I love upstate New York. It is always good to be home"
The unit spent eight months in Eastern Iraq working with Iraqi forces. It was because of their quick and effective work that they could come home early after capping off a seven year mission of getting the Iraqi Government on its feet.
"It's a burden no man or woman should have to shoulder," VP Biden said. "And you have done it better than any."
Of the 3,600 in the unit, 900 are still in Iraq, and will be home next week.
Those troops missed the vice president's visit, as well as a ceremony many soldiers say was an honor to be a part of.
"We were taken back when we heard he wants to come to Fort Drum and show us he is here to support us and that he is looking out for us," Captain Killian said.
The 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 10th Mountain Division is one of the most deployed units in all of the U.S. Army, having deployed five times in seven years.
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