===========================================================================
President Bush meets with General Dan McNeill, Former Commander of the
International Security Assistance Force
===========================================================================

For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary June 17, 2008

President Bush meets with General Dan McNeill, Former Commander of the
International Security Assistance Force Oval Office

˙ /news/releases/2008/06/20080617-3.wm.v.html ˙˙Presidential Remarks
˙˙Audio


10:44 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: It's been my privilege to serve with two really fine
Americans, General Dan McNeill and Maureen McNeill. I've gotten to know the
General well. He's a tough, no-nonsense patriot who was our commander in
Afghanistan. I want to thank you very much for the briefing you just gave
me about the issues that we face, your optimism about success.

I was telling the Secretary and the General I just -- about my trip to
Europe, where I was pleased with the strong commitments of our allies to
helping us succeed in Afghanistan. They know that what happens in
Afghanistan matters to their own internal security.

They fully understand as well that helping young girls go to school and
helping moms raise their babies in a -- you know, in a better environment,
helping rebuild this society after years of tyranny is in all our
interests. And it's also a moral duty we have.

And so I'm pleased, Mr. Secretary, that your hard work in working with the
allies is paying off.

And, General, I know you're moving on, but the country thanks you for what
you did. The world is better off because of your service. I'm proud to have
you here.

GENERAL McNEILL: Thank you, Mr. President.

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, sir.

END 10:46 A.M. EDT
===========================================================================
Return to this article at:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/06/20080617-3.html