Because of my work as a PAO I actually met then SecDef Rumsfeld a number of times in CONUS and Iraq. First time was the day of this photo. He came to Ft. Campbell where I was the freshly trained division PAO and was hosting a press conference for him at our museum on post. 
We got the media gathered in the museum early in the day and amongst them was an 8th grader from our on post middle school that had their own "TV station". She had a question for the SecDef. Her teacher asked me if I could pull off calling on her amongst a full house of media.
When Rummy arrives he's swept into an office and I proceed to brief him on the media and what I expect them to be interested in. I asked about our 8th grader and said "she wants to ask you...." and before I finish he cuts me off and says "don't tell me. I want to be surprised."
As I nervously introduce him, he peaks over my shoulder and the press starts giggling...so we're off to a great start. Near the end I call on the young lady from the middle school. She gets up and asks "how will your planned reorganization of the 101st impact military families?"
He looks over at me with that smile of his and goes "OK, Wellman...you were right...that's a great question" and proceeds to answer her. Out of all those news outlets you know what answer got run across the channels that night? Our 8th grader from Mahaffey Middle School.
I certainly didn't agree with him often when he was SecDef but I will say one thing, he was certainly a character. The last time I saw him in Iraq, for like the 3rd time, he recognized me and said "You're still here?" I said "well, that's kind of on you, sir." Rest in peace.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
