101st Commander Says Support Matters

The Division Commander at Fort Cambell says supporting troops is important, regardless of politics.

Major General Jeffrey Schloesser says keeping the politics of the war separate from the soldiers who are fighting in it could help the morale of Fort Campbell troops who are leaving in just a few months for Iraq and Afghanistan.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that we are asking more of thes young Americans than we’ve done in many, many years. It’s my opinion that the American people, irregardless of politics, they owe their soldiers, just in their thought process, ‘hey, you all are doing a great job for us.’”

Schloesser took command of the 101st after its return last year from a 13-month deployment to Iraq.

The entire 101st Division is deploying for the third time this year. This time, they’ll be going to Iraq and Afghanistan. Troops will start leaving in September.

Associated Press reporting contributed to this report.