President Obama Addresses Military Members at MacDill

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Danielle Conde
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  In his recent visit to U.S. Central Command, President Barack H. Obama took time to address Team MacDill on Sept. 17.

During the address, Obama thanked military and family members for shouldering the responsibilities in dealing with the challenges of our new century.

"Here at MacDill, you know this as well as anybody," said Obama. "You play a central role in our combat and counterterrorism operations; you make sure our troops and pilots get what they need in order to get the job done; you train forces around the world so countries can take responsibility for their own security.  The 6th Air Mobility Wing is continuously deployed, supporting our humanitarian and combat operations around the world."

Continuing his address, Obama gave insight into the more than 160 recent airstrikes against ISIL, and humanitarian efforts to combat the Ebola epidemic in Africa.

"If there is a hurricane, if there is a typhoon, if there is some sort of crisis, if there is an earthquake, if there's a need for a rescue mission, when the world is threatened, when the world needs help, it calls on America," said the commander in chief.

In closing, he reiterated the importance of the men and women of the U.S. armed forces, and their continued commitment to defend countries, both foreign and domestic.

"We're protected by patriots like you," said Obama. "And for these reasons, the United States of America will remain the greatest force for freedom that the world has ever known."