Enduring Freedom troops honored

A ceremony at MacDill commends military personnel from 42 countries.

By JANEL STEPHENS
© St. Petersburg Times
published October 8, 2002

[Times photo: Ken Helle] Gen. Tommy Franks told assembled troops and guests, "We'll be there, you and I, until the last shot is fired on global terrorism."

TAMPA -- They came from as far as Pakistan, Romania, Norway and Australia.

Some came in support of an international coalition with the United States, while others wanted to display their American patriotism.

Military personnel from 42 countries were honored Monday during a ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base on the one-year anniversary of Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S. campaign aimed at eradicating global terrorism.

"If I could figure out a way to get all of you up on this stage that's where I'd put you because that's where you deserve to be," said Gen. Tommy Franks, commander in chief for the U.S. Central Command.

Franks commended the group for doing "a remarkable job" in Afghanistan and other parts of the world.

The operation's accomplishments: eradicating the Taliban, freeing the Afghan people and fracturing the al-Qaida network.

But, Franks said, there is more work to be done.

"We'll be there, you and I, until the last shot is fired on global terrorism," Franks said.

Col. David Elliott, a senior adviser for the U.S. Army Reserves who has served in the military for 281/2 years, said he hoped Americans would remain vigilant to avoid another Sept. 11.

"I don't think we'll see it again unless we let down our guard," said Elliott, 49. "What we need to know is that we can be attacked."

Judy Noettl, 44, who has been a civil servant on military bases for 16 years, said the nation is prepared for war.

"I have all the confidence in the world in our military and our government," Noettl said.

The ceremony consisted of a video compilation "The Year in Review" of Operation Enduring Freedom. The video showed pictures of a ravaged World Trade Center and crumpled Pentagon accompanied by Alan Jackson's, Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).

A picture of a group of soldiers holding flags from countries involved in the coalition marked a segment of the video that highlighted the operation's efforts in Afghanistan.

Seven-year-old Rachel Erickson of Tampa sang the national anthem and the Fort Rucker band from Alabama played military service songs. A memorial prayer paid tribute to the U.S. military personnel who died in Afghanistan.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld addressed the audience via video to thank the coalition countries for their support. He said the goal of Operation Enduring Freedom is "to prevent the next September 11."

Lt. Col. Borre Osvoll of Norway said Sept. 11 was not only an attack on the U.S.

"This was also an attack on freedom of all people around the world," said Osvoll, 46. "We cannot allow the terrorists to take control and set the agenda," he said.

Rumsfeld not frustrated

WASHINGTON -- Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld pledged anew Monday that the United States will track down Osama bin Laden and other top leaders of his al-Qaida terrorist network.

"If they are alive and well, we'll eventually find them," Rumsfeld said during a news briefing to mark one year since the war in Afghanistan began.

Rumsfeld said he was not frustrated that bin Laden remains on the loose. Top al-Qaida and Taliban leaders have learned how to conceal themselves from U.S. surveillance, he said.

The war in Afghanistan has claimed 39 American lives, including 16 during combat or other hostile situations.

A wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery honored those dead Monday.

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