in a statement on january 26, president george w. bush paid condolences to the men killed in the crash in a larger statement about the iraqi elections stating "the story today is going to be very discouraging to the american people," bush said at the white house. "i understand that. we value life. and we weep and mourn when soldiers lose their life. and—but it is the long-term objective that is vital, and that is to spread freedom. otherwise, the middle east will be—will continue to be a cauldron of resentment and hate, a recruiting ground for those who have this vision of the world that is the exact opposite of ours" and "anytime we lose lives, it is a sad moment."