Gates delivered his comments at a banquet co-sponsored by the governmental affairs committee of the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce and the Heart of Texas Defense Alliance held at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center.
“The facts are simple,” Gates said. “Without these funds Army operations and maintenance will be exhausted by mid-February. We cannot wait until (then) to figure out how to deal with the consequences of these accounts running dry.”
Gates was referencing a standoff between President Bush and the Congress over priorities for spending. Both House and Senate have submitted greatly scaled-down versions that have brought a promise from Bush to veto it if delivered.
“For instance, under some of our government contracts civilian employees must be notified 60 days in advance of a furlough - and that’s in mid-December,” Gates said. “We’re not trying to scare anyone or play politics. That’s not the way I do business. But I am responsible for prudent management and planning and that means prior planning in case we don’t get this funding in a bill the president will sign.”
Gate said he did not want to create anxiety among his employees, but he had to have a plan and prepare.
He said a major goal is to begin lowering troop levels as the Iraqi security situation improves.
“A brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division is in the process of coming home,” he said. “Its place will be assumed by another unit in country.”
He said the timetable is to draw down 13 more brigade combat teams by July.
Gates spent a large part of his time giving tribute to the soldiers and their families who have weathered long separations and debilitating grief when loved ones have been wounded or killed.
He said the families take care of themselves with their readiness groups and care teams that circle the wagons around families in distress.
“But military families cannot be completely self-sufficient, and that’s where you come in,” Gates said referring to the Central Texas community. “This is a tough time for our troops and their families and your assistance does not go unnoticed.”
State Rep. Dianne White Delisi, R-Temple, asked Gates during a question-and-answer session if the drop in the number of badly injured soldiers coming into the Brooke Army Medical Center was an indication that the troop surge is working.
“I do think the surge has made a significant difference,” Gates said. “I think that what had been considered a dismal prospect about the surge a year ago has been turned around into a positive prospect. The security situation in Iraq has been significantly improved.”
He said he would be the first to say that all of the signs are in a positive direction now.
“However, I would like to see (the statistics) for them to be zero (wounded) and zero (killed) every month,” he said.
Gates said recruiting and enlistment goals are at an all-time high with the most re-enlistments occurring in Iraq.
The crowd afterward mingled and talked about his message.
“I think it really is a tribute to the men and women at Fort Hood for the secretary of defense to take time out of his day, his week to come here and talk to them,” said Sam Murphy of Harker Heights. “I’m impressed - it sounded very positive.”
JoAnne Purser of Killeen said the community is blessed and fortunate to have Gates speak in the civilian community.
Col. Larry Phelps, rear detachment commander of the 1st Cavalry, said Gates really nailed it when he complimented the Central Texas community for its support.
“It was a delight to have him here and coming to say thank you,” said State Rep Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen.
Gates will spend today meeting with troops and families and attending a Purple Heart Medal ceremony.
hclark@temple-telegram.com
