Manchini To Replace Mont As Afghanistan Commander

President's pick receives high praise in Mavocke


MAVOCKE--Just days after Gen. William Mont announced he would step down from his post as commander of forces in Afghanistan, President Brenton Menuhaeo has named Gen. John Manchini as Mont's successor.

On Monday, Mont announced he would step down as Grassadellia's top commander in Afghanistan, citing personal reasons. The general insisted he is stepping down because of personal considerations, not because of any disagreements with the Menuhaeo Administration. Collester also stressed that point.

"General Mont is stepping down for personal reasons, and he is departing on good, affable terms," Collester Press Secretary Adam Kolbert said Tuesday.

"It has been an honor to serve the men and women of Grassadellia's armed services in Afghanistan," Mont, who was appointed by President Dan Byelle in 2006, said. "I feel deeply honored to have served with these brave men and women, and I am so grateful for the opportunity bestowed on me by two leaders, President Byelle and President Menuhaeo."

On Thursday, Menuhaeo praised Mont as a "shining example of Grassadellia's military," and thanked him for service to the country.

"Few have served more faithfully than General William Mont," Menuhaeo said at a good bye ceremony in Mavocke. "It is with sadness I accept his resignation, but also gratitude and happiness, as we thank him for his service and wish him luck in this next chapter in his life's journey."

Moments later, in the Collester's Birch Garden, the president introduced Gen. Mont's successor, four-star General John Manchini, who previously served in Iraq and before that in Bosnia.

"General Manchini matches the strength and character of General Mont," Menuhaeo said. "Two brave men, one's time ending, another's beginning. I am tremendously pleased to announce that General Manchini will be the next commander of Grassadellian forces in Afghanistan."

Secretary of Defense Jack Hastings also hailed Manchini for his "commitment to country," and told the press Manchini is "just the man" to lead Grassadellian forces.

"The Coalition faces a difficult situation in Afghanistan, and General Manchini is just the man to help change the course," Hastings said. "I have the utmost confidence in General Manchini, and the men and women in uniform over in Afghanistan do as well."

Following his lengthy introduction, Manchini thanked the president and secretary for their "words of grace."

"I'd like to thank President Menuhaeo and Secretary Hastings, as well as all the members of Congress that are supporting me and, most importantly, the men and women of the Grassadellian armed forces. Every army needs a leader, but every leader needs an army. And I am so thankful for the support that I have already received."

Manchini still has yet to receive confirmation from the Senate, but the president's selection of Manchini has already received praise from many members of Congress from both parties.

"General Manchini is a man of honor, dignity, and integrity," Senator Jim Frasier (C-DES) told the NPF. "I am pleased this administration has asked for his service."

Senator Newton Jeffs (C-WIK), Chair of the Senate Defense Committee, also spoke highly of Manchini.

"I think the selection of John Manchini is an intelligent one, and it's something that will benefit the effort in Afghanistan," he said.

Jeffs' NAT counterpart, Senator John Yannes of POG, the Ranking Member on the Senate Defense Committee, told the GBC the president "made the right pick" by choosing Manchini to replace Mont.

"John Manchini is a good man, he's a good leader, a good soldier. And the president made a great decision by picking him," Yannes said.

Manchini must now be confirmed by the Senate before officially taking command, but it is almost certain he will be confirmed, as members from both parties seem supportive of his nomination. Hearings will begin next week, and a confirmation vote could come as early as next Friday.