Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Praises Cuscatlan Battalion
January 23, 2008

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In a one-day visit to El Salvador, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, held talks with military leaders in the capital, San Salvador, and met troops who will soon deploy to Iraq.

During his visit to the Artillery Battalion in San Juan Opico, the Admiral started his tour by meeting 50 veterans who represented the eight rotations of the Cuscatlan Battalion soldiers who have served in Iraq since August 2003.

He also talked to the members of the 10th contingent which is scheduled to depart to Iraq by mid February. “I want to thank you and tell you that your service in Iraq has made a difference”, said Adm. Mullen to the Salvadoran troops. "You represent a great armed force committed to a critical mission in a vital part of the world," Mullen added.
The soldiers gave a demonstration of the training they have received. Adm. Mullen witnessed a rapid response maneuver to an ambush.

He was given a memento by members of the battalion and, in return, he presented them with the Joint Chiefs of Staff flag.

Adm. Mullen was sworn in as the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Oct. 1, 2007. He serves as the principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council, and the Homeland Security Council.

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