Cheney visits
Hawaii troops
in Afghanistan

Vice President Dick Cheney and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld told Schofield Barracks soldiers in Afghanistan yesterday that their mission is "part of the worldwide effort against terrorism."

Cheney also spoke about the loss of Kailua resident Lt. Col. Mike McMahon, commander of the 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, who was killed in a plane crash Nov. 27 in the mountains of Afghanistan.

"America's willingness to lead the fight against terror has come at a cost," Cheney said. "We've lost some of the finest people in our military whose names we will honor forever.

"Recently we experienced the great loss of Lt. Col. Mike McMahon, a cavalryman with 3/4th Cav. By their sacrifice and your continuing mission, we will one day overcome the threat of terror."

Cheney and Rumsfeld visited with 25th Infantry Division soldiers at Bagram Air Field before attending the Afghanistan presidential inauguration of Hamid Karzai in Kabul. They also had breakfast with troops.

"A watching world has seen once again that the U.S. military is one of the greatest forces for good on this earth," Cheney told the troops, according to a 25th Division news release.

"You're giving some of the best years of your lives in service to your country at the time when we need you the most. Your work is part of the worldwide campaign against terror. Your task is immense, it is urgent and it is vital for our countries freedom and security. Your children and my grandchildren will live in freedom because of what you are doing today."

Cheney reenlisted 26 Hawaii-based soldiers in a ceremony following breakfast.