Posted on 12/10/2004 6:11:28 PM PST by MJY1288
FORT BELVOIR, Va., Dec. 10, 2004 – President Bush and first lady Laura Bush today helped United Service Organizations volunteers here pack items like snacks, phone calling cards and messages of support destined for holiday delivery to U.S. troops deployed overseas.
One of the biggest blessings American citizens have, President Bush observed Dec. 10 at Fort Belvoir, Va., "is the United States military and their families." The president and first lady Laura Bush spent about an hour inside a Fort Belvoir, Va., warehouse Dec. 10 filling Operation USO Care Packages alongside 90 civilian and military volunteers lined up across both sides of two long tables.
The president and Mrs. Bush spent about an hour inside a warehouse at this base near Washington filling Operation USO Care Packages alongside 90 civilian and military volunteers lined up across both sides of two long tables.
Afterward, the commander in chief and honorary USO president remarked that he'd been pleased to participate in the organization's "assembly line of compassion."
Bush noted that his grandfather, Prescott S. Bush, was the USO's first president and chief executive officer. Therefore, it was "only fitting," Bush remarked, that he come down to the base to work on the USO's assembly line. Bush recognized Mary Jo Myers, wife of Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, who was in attendance, and thanked the gathered USO volunteers for their efforts in supporting U.S. military members.
The president also greeted Fort Belvoir's top noncommissioned officer, Command Sgt. Maj. Andre Douglas, whom Bush had met during his 2003 surprise Thanksgiving trip to Baghdad, Iraq.
"You can't ever thank the troops enough," Bush asserted. Operation USO Care Package "is one way of saying, 'America appreciates your service for freedom and peace and her security.'"
Troops should know USO packages are accompanied by "a lot of support and a lot of affection" from loved ones, Bush noted, as well as the best wishes sent from strangers.
Army Col. Evin Planto and his wife, Lynette, a USO volunteer, helped the Bushes and the others fill packages. Planto, currently on leave from duty in Baghdad, noted that deployed U.S. troops appreciate the USO packages.
Planto said he delivered USO packages to U.S. Marines just before they took the offensive against insurgents in Fallujah in early November. The Marines "really liked" the packages, he said. Planto noted he was slated to return to Iraq in two weeks or so.
Bush acknowledged the pain of separation experienced by many military families today, especially during the holidays. "We ask for God's blessings, not only on our troops who are overseas, but we ask for the Lord's blessings on our family members," the president said.
About 485,000 overseas troops have received Operation USO Care Packages, Bush noted, since the program was installed nationwide in September 2002.
Americans, the president pointed out, are living in historic times. "The world is changing," Bush said, "and as it changes as the world becomes more free, America becomes more secure, and the peace we all long for becomes more real."
It's customary to count one's blessings during the holiday season, the president noted. And one of the biggest blessings he said American citizens have "is the United States military and their families."
Bush asked participants to access the Defense Department's "America Supports You" Web site or the USA Freedom Corps' Web site "for ways to help the USO or any other organization that supports our United States military
wow, great article. Thanks
Did you know that Prescott Bush was the first USO President?
When did the USO start? I went to a USO dance during WWII in Seattle. There weren't enough girls there and I never went back.
Snugs,
I'm responding to your post about what your Christmas meal will be. My family, from Florida, typically does Christmas breakfast instead of dinner or supper. The long standing tradition is sausage gravy and biscuits. Within the last few years we've added in quiche.
This year my husband and I decided to have Christmas in our home instead of traveling and are carrying on the sausage gravy & biscuits, but later in the morning after our church service.
I've always wanted to do a Christmas dinner thing. Maybe the hubby and I will have to start a new tradition one of these years. But how often can you justify having sausage gravy and biscuits? Thanksgiving is for turkey! ;)
I just heard Bernard Kerik has withdrawn his name from the Homelanad Security nomination for personal reasons. RATS!
I just heard Bernard Kerik has withdrawn his name from the Homelanad Security nomination for personal reasons. RATS!
Hmm. I don't know. I checked the website and all it says on quick checking is "before WWII".
Not enough girls? I thought that was a big USO thing!
That's too bad, but I'm sure you found you a good one later on!
Welcome to the dose. We hope you will be a regular. Can you tell me what it means to be a cowgirl cop? It's an interesting screen name.
I'm seriously almost crying right now. I was SO happy when he was chosen. I don't understand this.
I worry about my Mum cooking in such HOT weather like it traditionally is here - even though home is air-conditioned - its up near 100 degrees in the kitchen when the cooking is being done. But I am not arguing with my Mum and she insists on doing it all herself. ;0)
I'm sure you found you a good one later on!
Sure did!
just heard Bernard Kerik has withdrawn his name from the Homelanad Security nomination for personal reasons. RATS!
I read on Drudge it was a nanny problem
Good grief! What a surprise - and a shame that he had to withdraw. He would've been an excellent Secreatry. I wish him success in whatever he chooses to do ...
A nanny problem?
A nanny problem?
That is when you hire an illegal and pay them under the table.
Such a disappointment1
A nanny problem? I am surprised that this administration did not do a better job of vetting before nominating him.
Thanks! I live outside of Great Falls aways. My folks live out of Missoula and I have friends in Sidney :) I LOVE Montana too!
Ooops, Just found this from AP:
WASHINGTON - In a surprise move, former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik abruptly withdrew his nomination as President Bush (news - web sites)'s choice to be homeland security secretary Friday night, saying questions have arisen about the immigration status of a housekeeper and nanny he employed.
The decision caught the White House off guard and sent Bush in search of a new candidate to run the sprawling bureaucracy of more than 180,000 employees melded together from 22 disparate federal agencies in 2003.
Kerik informed Bush of his decision to withdraw in a telephone call at 8:30 p.m. EST. "I am convinced that, for personal reasons, moving forward would not be in the best interests of your administration, the Department of Homeland Security or the American people," Kerik said in a letter to the president.
The White House said Bush accepted Kerik's decision.
One administration official helping prepare Kerik for Senate confirmation, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Kerik's unexpected decision shocked senior leaders at the Homeland Security Department. This official said Kerik still had not filled out all his ethics filings — which would detail his sources of income and financial liabilities — and said the FBI (news - web sites) background investigation of Kerik was still incomplete.
But the only moderately troubling information uncovered about Kerik so far was news that Kerik had earned $6.2 million by exercising stock options he received from Taser International, which did lucrative business with the Department of Homeland Security, this official said.
Kerik said the problematic issue arose as he was completing documents required for Senate confirmation. "I uncovered information that now leads me to question the immigration status of a person who had been in my employ as a housekeeper and nanny. It has also been brought to my attention that for a period of time during such employment required tax payments and related filings had not been made."
Kerik said he feared that the disclosure of the issue would generate intense scrutiny that would "only serve as a significant and unnecessary distraction to the vital efforts of the Department of Homeland Security."
====================== Sad .. wonder who the next choice will be.
I hope you will take LOTS of pix. do you do digital shots?
that is a hot kitchen! it has been a long time since our families have had the large get togethers. I recall them growing up & into my teen years. all the aunts; uncles; cousins.. each of my parent was from family of 7 siblings.. so big get togethers. Lots of people. lots of noise & lots of food went with lots of laughter & fun
Hope you have lots of fun & joy with your loved ones.
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