Statement from Pentagon Spokesman Mr. Lawrence Di Rita on Question Posed at Town Hall Meeting
December 09, 2004

The issue Specialist Wilson raised at the Town Hall meeting in Kuwait is important. This department takes the matter seriously, and is addressing it aggressively.

Town Hall meetings are intended for soldiers to have dialogue with the Secretary of Defense. It would be unfortunate to discover that anyone might have interfered with that opportunity, whatever the intention.

The Secretary provides ample opportunity for interaction with the press. It is better that others not infringe on the troops opportunity to interact with superiors in the chain of command.