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Fort Bragg, NC – In his recent visit to Fort Bragg, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III affirmed his commitment to the well-being of the soldiers and their families in the 82nd Airborne Division.
In a personal interaction with the paratroopers and their loved ones, Secretary Austin expressed gratitude for their decision to serve the country, especially in a division known for its readiness for immediate deployment.
“My number one priority is to defend this country. My second priority is to take care of people. I want to make sure that you have the resources that you need to be successful, that you’re getting the right training, that you got the leaders that you need to be successful as well,” he said.
Austin shared that he and President Joe Biden engage in regular discussions, during which the President invariably asks about the provisions for the troops and their families, stressing the necessity to meet their needs adequately.
The Secretary underscored his and other leaders’ dedication to guaranteeing family welfare. He emphasized the importance of mutual support among the soldiers, urging them to pay close attention to colleagues who might be struggling. He encouraged them to actively offer assistance, emphasizing that seeking help should never be perceived negatively.
“Be proud of who you are; America’s best, America’s finest. We sent you a lot of places in the past. We’re going to call on you again. And when we call you again, my expectation is that you’ll be ready,” Austin added.
During Austin’s interaction, family members raised concerns, specifically the pressing need for adequate childcare, a service in high demand but short supply at Fort Bragg.
A senior defense official stated that the Defense Department acknowledges these concerns and is exploring ways to increase the availability of childcare workers across installations, including potentially increasing their salaries.
The official reiterated Secretary Austin’s commitment to the welfare of military families, highlighting this as the primary objective of his visit.
Source: Department of Defense
