Rumsfeld Visit Surprises Wounded Troops 3/05/2006

By Donna Miles / American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 5, 2006 - Wounded troops participating in the third annual Vail Veterans Program here got a surprise visit on the ski slopes today when Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld arrived to cheer them on and congratulate them for their accomplishments.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld chats with retired Army Staff Sgt. Heath Calhoun, a 101st Airborne Division soldier wounded in Iraq, during the Vail Veterans Program. Defense Dept. photo by Donna Miles

Rumsfeld and his wife Joyce appeared unannounced last night, joining 24 servicemembers who lost limbs in Iraq and Afghanistan at the top of Vail Mountain for dinner at the Eagle's Nest Restaurant. [continue reading].