President Donald Trump ended his rally on Monday night a little early so that he could attend a dignified transfer ceremony for two fallen U.S. Army soldiers.
Following his speech in New Hampshire, the president traveled to Delaware to the Dover Air Force Base, where he visited the families of the two fallen soldiers and paid his respects. The military members had been killed in Afghanistan.
WH says Pres Trump cut short his campaign speech in New Hampshire last night in order to attend the Dignified Transfer ceremony. pic.twitter.com/J9OvGrN4mi
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 11, 2020
“These are terrible sacrifices for the families. And these guys are heroes, they’re real warriors and did a great job for the American people,” National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien told reporters.
O’Brien added, “These are tough times. It’s tough for the president but he thinks it’s important to be there for the families and recognize them.”
The two fallen soldiers were killed last Saturday in eastern Afghanistan. Six other U.S. military members were injured in the attack as well.
The 7th Special Forces Group Commander, Col. John W. Sannes, said, “Sgt. 1st Class Gutierrez was a warrior that exemplified selfless service and a commitment to the mission, both values that we embody here in the 7th Special Forces Group.”
Sannes also previously said, “Sgt. 1st Class Rodriguez was selfless and served honorably; he was certainly among the best in our unit. Here at the Red Empire, we take care of our own, and Sgt. 1st Class Rodriguez’ family will forever be a part of us, we will assist them in any way we can to help them through these trying times.”
As Fox News reports, the two men were posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart, as well as promoted to Sgt. 1st Class.
A most solemn moments last night at Dover AFB as @POTUS and @VP salute the dignified transfer of two US soldiers killed Saturday in combat ops in Afghanistan:
— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) February 11, 2020
-Sgt 1st Class Javier Jaguar Gutierrez, 28, San Antonio
-Sgt 1st Class Antonio Rey Rodriguez, 28, Las Cruces pic.twitter.com/1GXj9T5bO2
Vice President Mike Pence also attended the dignified transfer ceremony on Monday night.
