"This is ultimately about you. All the weapons I have, all the technology we have, I can't do any of that without the men and women in uniform that are willing to step up to the plate and do what you have to do. And that's why, frankly, you know, even though we had to look at compensation as well, I said we have to protect basic benefits for the troops and their families, and we will."

On March 2, 2012, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta held a town hall meeting with members of the 101st Airborne Division at Ft. Campbell, KY.

here is the full transcript, with some interests things
just read and comment it....