WASHINGTON (Reuters) U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Thursday praised an Army soldier in eastern Afghanistan who drew media attention this month after rushing to defend his post from attack while wearing pink boxer shorts and flip-flops.
In fact, Gates said he wants to meet the soldier and shake his hand the next time he visits Afghanistan.
"Any soldier who goes into battle against the Taliban in pink boxers and flip-flops has a special kind of courage," Gates said in remarks prepared for a speech in New York.
"I can only wonder about the impact on the Taliban. Just imagine seeing that: a guy in pink boxers and flip-flops has you in his cross-hairs. What an incredible innovation in psychological warfare," he said.
Army Specialist Zachary Boyd, 19, of Fort Worth, Texas, rushed from his sleeping quarters on May 11 to join fellow platoon members at a base in Afghanistan's Kunar Province after the unit came under fire from Taliban positions.
A news photographer was on hand to record the image of Boyd standing at a makeshift rampart in helmet, body armor, red T-shirt and boxers emblazoned with the message: "I love NY."
When the image wound up on the front page of the New York Times, Boyd told his parents he might lose his job if President Barack Obama saw him out of uniform.
"I can assure you that Specialist Boyd's job is very safe indeed," Gates said in the speech.
The U.S. defense chief was scheduled to deliver the speech at New York's annual Salute to Freedom dinner in Manhattan.
i think that if he lost his job, that it would be very unfair. he was doing his best to hurry and help out his fellow soldiers. if the president cares more about protocol than the safety of our troops, then i think HE should lose his job. these men are fighting to make sure we even have a country that the president can run. i dont think that he needs to wear boxers that say I <3 NY, i think its already pretty obvious that he cares about and loves America.
"Daily I stay silent, thinking thoughts at lightening speed Heightened by the feedback and forth reciprocation Believe I'm well connected Not a prophet who's been resurrected Trust and I expect it " - Zion I & The Grouch
i dont care if a guy wears a dress if u have the balls to do so then more power to u but the whole Arent Real Men Yet is a way the Marine Corps makes fun of the army for not being as well trained
-- Edited by Kody Disbrow on Wednesday 27th of May 2009 05:25:58 PM