Gen. Schoomaker Reception Remarks
July 11, 2005

Good evening. I am honored to welcome all of you to the Residence this evening. General Schoomaker, welcome to El Salvador.

As I have said many times, El Salvador has been an outstanding member of the Coalition in Operation Iraqi Freedom for the past two years. During four consecutive rotations, the soldiers of the Cuscatlán Battalion have performed valiantly and effectively, earning the respect of the entire coalition and the deep appreciation of the Iraqi people.

General, Your visit to this wonderful country gives us an excellent opportunity to further deepen the ties of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two nations. Here this evening and in your appointments tomorrow, you will meet senior members of the Salvadoran government including its top military leaders. I know you will be impressed with their professionalism, as I always am.

General Schoomaker, would you like to say a few words?