Wednesday, December 02, 2009 Vets for Freedom Statement On President Obama's Afghanistan Troop Announcement

December 2, 2009 - Pete Hegseth, Chairman of Vets for Freedom, released the following statement in support of President Obama announcement that 30,000 more troops will be sent into Afghanistan. Vets for Freedom is the largest pro-victory Iraq and Afghanistan veterans organization in America.

"President Obama's speech last night announcing additional troops and a robust strategy in Afghanistan is welcome and emboldening news for troops fighting on the front lines, and Vets for Freedom wholeheartedly supports this strong move. The President's decision to follow General Stanley McChrystal's recommendation for additional Soldiers and Marines will give the United States the chance to turn around the war in Afghanistan, and deny safe havens to America's enemies. In the face of strong political pressure from all sides, President Obama listened to the recommendation of his commanders-all of which, McChrystal and Petraeus most importantly-believe they can execute a successful strategy on the ground with the troops the President is providing.

It is now incumbent upon both Democrats and Republicans to avoid making Afghanistan a political football. This war is neither President Obama's, nor President Bush's; this is America's war-and we must all rally together to support its success. Additionally, we urge the President to continue making the case to the American people that this is a war worth fighting, and a war we must win. American public opinion will reflect forthcoming successes on the ground, provided the President is robust and frequent in his rhetorical support for the rightness of the mission.

We are disappointed by the President's mention of a timetable in Afghanistan, however he also said conditions on the ground would be a strong factor in determining the pace and scope of such a drawdown. Once again, we urge the President to heed the advice of his war-fighters, and believe he will.

We applaud the President for listening to the commanders on the ground, giving them what they need, and urge him to now give them time needed to create success in Afghanistan. And we now look forward to working with him to ensure the mission is successful."

*Note - To schedule an interview with a veteran from Vets for Freedom please email Media@VetsForFreedom.org