A soldier serving in Iraq told President Donald Trump that he signed up for the military because of him.
While the president and First Lady Melania Trump were in Iraq on Dec. 26 visiting troops, one young Army member told the president that he signed up because Trump was elected.
White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said that Trump replied, “And I am here because of you.”
Sanders said she met the military member after the interaction and he gave her a patch from his arm that said “Brave Rifles 3,” calling what happened “Incredible.”
Powerful moment – Member of United States Army told the President he came back into the military because of him. And President Trump responded, “And I am here because of you.” I met him after and he gave me the patch from his arm. Incredible. #TrumpTroopsVisit pic.twitter.com/WmQf3b2K8X
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) December 26, 2018
Sanders’s post on Twitter was circulated widely, getting more than 17,000 retweets and 55,000 likes. The interaction was witnessed by reporters on the ground, who said the Army soldier had a patch with the name “Singer” on his uniform.
President Trump and the first lady visited the troops for Christmas, taking photographs with them and signing memorabilia, including several “Make America Great Again” hats.
Trump told reporters that he wanted to visit to honor the troops.
“I want to come and pay my respects most importantly to the great soldiers, great troopers we have here.”
He gave a speech telling them that he’d had great meetings on base and saying the troops liked to win, noting that he’d signed off on billions of dollars in new equipment.
“Your eyes are popping,” he said. He added that the troops had recently gotten a big pay raise.
Trump also told the troops that because of their sacrifice, Americans can live in peace. “The best way to have peace is strength,” he said.
“We’re no longer the suckers, folks,” Trump added. “We’re respected again as a nation.”
The first lady took the stage and told the troops, “I’m very proud of you.”
Before speaking, the Trumps received a warm welcome from the troops.
After visiting Al Asad Air Base in Iraq, the Trumps traveled to Ramstein Air Base in Germany.
President @realDonaldTrump speaks to U.S. troops in Iraq. #TrumpTroopsVisit #USA pic.twitter.com/9CSdO8AwWD
— Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) December 26, 2018
President Trump met with Air Force leaders on Air Force One.
At Ramstein, he and the first lady posed for pictures with and met troops stationed there.
The Trumps slowly made their way down a rope line at the Ramstein base, shaking hands and chatting with active service members who are away from their families during Christmas. Hundreds of uniformed service members at the base posed for photos with the couple. Many also held up the “Make America Great Again” hats for the president to sign.
On Dec. 27, Trump said he had returned to the White House, issuing a missive on Twitter: “Just returned from visiting our troops in Iraq and Germany. One thing is certain, we have incredible people representing our Country – people that know how to win!”
He added, “Melania and I were honored to visit our incredible troops at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq. GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.!”