Going to see our Commander in Chief tommorrow!

[bsnyder]

President Bush is coming to Tampa in the morning, to visit MacDill Air Force Base, which is the U.S. home of Central Command and General Tommy Franks.

I was lucky enough to get an invitation to attend the event and I'm very interested to hear what the President has to say to the military families of CentCom. If I get a chance to shake his hand, I'm going to tell him that I, along with a lot of folks on the DIS are praying for him regularly!

Here's a link to the story in our paper:

http://www.tampatrib.com/News/MGATBH6HPDD.html

 

[Wishydoo]

What an excellent opportunity!

 

[ead79]

I got to see President Bush speak at a rally here in Atlanta a few months ago. What an incredible experience! I didn't get to shake his hand, but it was still so neat being in the same room as the President of the United States! President Bush is indeed in my prayers--he has such a difficult job, a job I can't even imagine.

 

[nativetxn]

Good for you, Bet. I hope you get a chance to shake his hand.

 

[SuiteDisney]

That's great! I'm certainly praying for him and I know he appreciates it.

 

[MelanieC]

That is really exciting that you were invited. I know that he has a lot weighing on his heart at the moment.

Melanie

 

[jamsmom]

I sure hope you get to chake his hand! Please update us when you get back home

 

[bsnyder]

I will, Carol. They are allowing personal cameras, so I hope to have some digital pictures, and will post, if I can ever figure out how to do that!

 

[Dan Murphy]

As he prays, Bet, so do we. He is a good man.


If you get pictures and need help, just let me know.

 

[UncleKyle]

Thats great Bet! I went to a rally to see him before he was elected and it was an awesome experience. Hope your able to get pictures.

 

[dandave]

How cool! I'm looking forward to pictures!

 

[DawnCt]

That is wonderful! I am watching his speech right now. I feel so proud and honored to have President Bush as our Commander in Chief. I also feel very confident in Tommy Franks. My DH met Tommy Franks twice when he was in Kuwait and was very impressed. He comes across as a "down home boy" but is extremely intelligent and has an excellent grasp of the situation and the goals. He quoted words from Merle Haggard: "I turned 21 in prison doing life without parole". Do you think he was talking about the Army? He was an enlisted man at one time.

 

[Jeafl]

I just finished watching his speech and I thought he did a great job. Please post and let us know your thoughts on it.

 

[bsnyder]

Just got home!

I left my house at 7:00 a.m. and what would normally be a 15 minute drive to Macdill took 2 1/2 hours! Security was very, very tight, as it should be.

The whole experience was awesome, though!! We boarded buses that took us to Hangar 3. We were entertained by Darryl Worely AND Toby Keith while waiting for the President to arrive. And the Marine Band from New Orleans played God Bless America, the Star Spangled Banner and other patriotic tunes.

Then we saw Air Force One land, from the open hangar bay, and it pulled right up to the side of the hangar. I had goosebumps when they played "Hail to the Chief".

The President's speech was very moving and inspiring!

I did take some pictures, but I'm not sure how good they turned out....I've never been much of a photographer. I'll try to download them later this afternoon and post them!

 

[Dan Murphy]

It looked like a great experience, Bet. I thought he spoke well.

 

[nativetxn]

Looking forward to seeing the photos, Bet.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Oh Bet.. how exciting for you.........I wished I could have been there but am content to live it vicariously through you... Thanks for sharing.. I cannot wait to see the pics..

 

[Patrick IL.]

I have been watching footage of it...It seems he gave an excellent speech and the crowd was very supportive.

 

[Lady M]

Bet, it sounds like this was an awesome experience for you. I'm glad you had this wonderful opportunity, and I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures.

Marie

 

[jamsmom]

I can't wait for an update: ) I was able to see a little of it televised.