A day in the life of President Bush (12/26/04): many photos

WhiteHouse.gov & Yahoo News Photos ^ | 12/26/04

[Wolfstar]

CAUTION: This thread may take a while to download since it contains many photos.

This morning, Dec. 26, 2004, President and Mrs. Bush, Mrs. Bush's mother, and Barney flew to Crawford after spending Chrismas at Camp David. The Crawford Pirates won the State 2A Division II football title this season. After AF1 touched down in Waco, the President and First Lady met with the team and coaches. They presented him with two football jerseys: the traditional #1 jersey given to presidents by sports teams visiting the WH -- and a #43 jersey.

On Christmas Eve, President Bush called the following members of the U.S. Armed Forces from Camp David:

• Private First Class Kenneth L. Vest, USA, United Nations Command Security Battalion, Camp Bonifas, Korea
  
• Staff Sergeant Eric A. Julian, USA, 300th Area Support Group/736th Transportation Company, Talill, Iraq
  
• Corporal Robert Restaino Jr., USMC, Reconnaissance Platoon, 24 Marine Expeditionary Unit, Special Operations Capable, II Marine Expeditionary Force, U. S. Marine Corps Forces Atlantic
  
• Corporal Malcolm N. Hedgepeth, USMC, HQ Battery, 2d Battalion 10th Marines (Provisional Infantry Battalion), Iraq
  
• Hospitalman Roman R. Cruz, USN, Bravo Surgical Company, Combat Service Support Group 15, Camp Fallujah, Iraq
  
• Petty Officer First Class Michael D. Watts, USN, Hospital Corpsman (SEAL), SEAL Team Three, Naval Special Warfare Task Group, Iraq
  
• Staff Sergeant Santiago James Fontanez, USAF, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Baghdad, Iraq
  
• Airman First Class, Benjamin J. Miller, USAF, 16th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida, Deployed to Iraq
  
• Fireman Michael M. Joseph, USCG, USCG Loran Station Attu, Alaska
  
• Petty Officer Third Class Melissa M. Johnson, USCG, United States Coast Guard Cutter, MUNRO Homeport, Alameda, CA

On this day after Christmas, please join the President in showing our troops how much we care. Please consider one of these ways to show support for them. There is a long tradition of writing letters and sending care packages to troops stationed away from home. To minimize delays and complications in getting this kind of support to our troops, the Department of Defense recommends the following:

Through Operation Dear Abby, send e-mail messages to deployed troops of any Service from your home state (http://anyservicemember.navy.mil/).

Through Defend America, sign an online thank you card for troops (http://www.defendamerica.mil/nmam.html).

Through Operation USA Care Package, contribute to the purchase of a care package of items requested by troops such as sunscreen, disposable cameras, prepaid calling cards, and toiletries. (http://www.usocares.org).

QUOTES OF THE DAY: From the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance speech by President George W. Bush, September 14, 2001

As we have been assured, neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, can separate us from God's love. May He bless the souls of the departed. May He comfort our own. And may He always guide our country.

I will not forget this wound to our country or those who inflicted it. I will not yield; I will not rest; I will not relent in waging this struggle for freedom and security for the American people.

From the President's Christmas Day 2004 Radio Address:

Christmastime reminds each of us that we have a duty to our fellow citizens, that we are called to love our neighbor just as we would like to be loved ourselves. By volunteering our time and talents where they are needed most, we help heal the sick, comfort those who suffer, and bring hope to those who despair, one heart and one soul at a time.

During the holidays, we also keep in our thoughts and prayers the men and women of our Armed Forces, especially those far from home, separated from family and friends by the call of duty. In Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere, these skilled and courageous Americans are fighting the enemies of freedom and protecting our country from danger. By bringing liberty to the oppressed, our troops are helping to win the war on terror, and they are defending the freedom and security of us all. They and their families are making many sacrifices for our nation, and for that, all Americans are deeply grateful.

Christmas reminds us that the grandest purposes of God can be found in the humblest places, and it gives us hope that all the love and gifts that come to us in this life are the signs and symbols of an even greater love and gift that came on a holy night.

[Wolfstar]

PHOTOS OF THE DAY (hard to pick just one today):

The President calling members of the U.S. Armed Forces from Camp David on Christmas Eve:

In this photo provided by the U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Fireman Michael Joseph speaks with President Bush from the Coast Guard Long Range Navigation Station on Attu Island, Alaska, at the end of the remote Aleutian Island chain Friday, Dec. 24, 2004. Every year the President calls a member of each Armed Service to wish them a merry Christmas. The president spoke with Joseph at 4:40 a.m. Alaska time. (AP Photo/U.S. Coast Guard, Michael Marion)

Leaning on the back of Crawford Pirates player Derek Dumas as coach Robert Murphy (L) and teammate Hunter Brown watch, the President signs Dumas's #3 jersey. GWB has said several times that he was following the exploits of the championship Pirates.

PLEASE WAIT UNTIL THE 'ALL CLEAR' IS GIVEN BEFORE POSTING OTHER PHOTOS/IMAGES. IT'S ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TODAY SINCE THERE WILL BE A LOT OF POTOS POSTED BEFORE THE 'ALL CLEAR.'

[Wolfstar]

Pinging to your post-Christmas Dose.

[Wolfstar]

Other photos from this morning: The President had to chase down Barney, who had wandered away at Andrews AFB before leaving for Crawford.

[Wolfstar]

The President pulls the First Lady into the Crawford Pirates group photo.

[Wolfstar]

This group is from the "White House at Work" photo essay series.

The Oval Office: President George W. Bush hosts a meeting with senior advisers. The first Oval Office was built in 1909 during the Taft Administration.

[Peach]

I do believe I'm first!

[Wolfstar]

The President and the people...

[Bahbah]

A promise of "many pictures." Yet another gift this season.

[Wolfstar]

The President, children and T-ball...

(left) The President and baseball Hall of Famer, and Honorary WH T-ball Commissioner, Cal Ripkin. (right) The President with the great Dallas Cowboys running back, Emmitt Smith.

[Wolfstar]

Former First Lady Barbara Bush hugging one of the mascots at a T-ball game.

[Wolfstar]

The White House social scene (right, First Lady chairs a conference in the Red Room):

The East Room:

(left) The Entry and Cross Hall. (right) The State Dining Room.

The Green Room: (left) The First Lady with the wife of the Polish president during an official state visit. (right) Paula Zahn interviewing then First Lady Barbara Bush (and Millie), 10/30/92.

[Wolfstar]

Laura Bush poses in the Map Room for a Family Circle article featuring the White House's 2001 holiday decorations Sept. 10, 2001.

[Wolfstar]

The Vice President:

The VP fishing the Snake River in Idaho.

The VP and Alan Greenspan aboard AF2.

The VP riding the range in the Grand Teton Mountains.

Moments before the dedication ceremony of the Cheney Alumni Field, Vice President Dick Cheney talks with the Natrona County High School football team in the locker room in Casper, Wyo.

[Wolfstar]

Mrs. Lynne Cheney:

[Wolfstar]

From the "Portraits of the President's House, The Staff:" Spotty and the WH doorman of 46 years, waiting for the Boss.

[Wolfstar]

Yummy, red balls.

[Wolfstar]

(left) I'm dreaming of a new sister... (right) They call this stuff snow?

The making of "Barney Cam" (so that's how they do it).

In the Diplomatic Reception Room, Barney waits attentively for President Bush.

The Vice President's Jackson (yellow Lab) and Dave (black Lab)

[Wolfstar]

ALL CLEAR

[hoosiermama]

Thanks....almost forgot out "treat"!

[Wolfstar]

I do believe I'm first!

Congratulations, Peach!

[Wolfstar]

Snugs, I think you'll enjoy seeing our cowboy Vice President.

[Wolfstar]

Some of these may have been seen on the Dose in the past, but I'm sure many have not. Hope you enjoy them.

[SuziQ]

The VP riding the range in the Grand Teton Mountains.

One of the most gorgeous places in this country!

[Mister Baredog]

ALL CLEAR

NICE!

[anonymoussierra]

Thank you be strong America President! Happy Christmas America strong good President!

[Wolfstar]

Good day, SuziQ. I've never visit the Grand Teton area, but hope to on a vacation some day. Doesn't our VP look great sitting on that lovely horse?

[Sammie42]

Wonderful pictures Wolfstar, thanks

[hershey]

Yes, where is Miss. B.?

[Wolfstar]

Glad you like them, Mister Baredog. Together, they tell a small part of the "behind the scenes at the White House" story of these past four years.

[anniegetyourgun]

#15 was worthy of my entire day.....thanks.....

[GretchenM]

I'm only at post #4 and already I'm beaming back at these pictures.

Thanks for this Sunday edition.

[hershey]

Laura Bush has such a lovely smile!

[Jazzman1]

THANK GOD these men were re-elected! Merry Christmas Freepers.

[Wolfstar]

In the group in post #11, notice the photo of Mrs. Bush and the wife of the Polish president. They are both lovely women.

[Wolfstar]

You're welcome, Sammie.

[kayak]

Psalm 117

¹ Praise the LORD, all you Gentiles!
       Laud Him, all you peoples!
       ²For His merciful kindness is great toward us,
       And the truth of the LORD endures forever.
       Praise the LORD!

Please remember the following members of the military and their families/friends in prayer:

~ Gogranny ..... grandson Jarrett, deployed
~ Inspectorette ..... son Eric
~ LBGA ..... son is deployed
~ Slip18 ..... nephew is aboard ship - active duty USN
~ mrs tiggywinkle ….. nephew Michael is in the Navy
~ milagro ….. son is deployed in the Mid-East
~ Jewels1091 ….. friend of daughter … Chris (Navy)
~ from hoosiermama …
…..… Shanty & Josh (husband & wife just deployed separately)
…..… Bill and Bill (both military academy grads)
…..(when you teach, they're all your kids)
~ Pippin ….. niece in the Air Force …. nephew in the Army stationed in the Far East and his new daughter, Jazmine
~ WomanofStandard ….. a dear friend's sons, Troy (Air Force) in Italy and Tyler (Army) at Ft. Bragg, NC
~ kemathen7 ….. boyfriend, John (AirForce)
~ Warriormom ….. CIA agents whose plane crashed and may have been kidnapped in Colombia
~ Freeper Per-Ling ….. active duty in the Navy ….. has a wife and 2-year-old
~ leenie312 ….. son Nicholas is in the Marines
~ rintense .…. friend's brother, Brian Z.
…..… friend, Matt (who is a Freeper), deployed to the Mid-East
~ AF_Blue ….. active-duty AF
~ JulieRNR21 ….. a friend's grandson, Wesley in the USAF
~ TigerCap ….. co-worker, Kevin, Marine Reservist deployed to Kuwait
~ bigeasy ….. friend’s husband is deployed ….. he asks for prayer for justice, wisdom, swift return home
~ fc2tomschermuly (Navy) … he is a FReeper, as is his sister (mjaneangels@aolcom) and their father is a lurker
~ EuroFrog ….. husband, SSG Mike, deployed to Kuwait
….. SSG Kris, friend of SSG Mike in Kuwait
~ whoever ….. son Adam, on a Navy ship in a “hot zone” … he’s a single father (a widower) with a 10 y/o daughter
~ annyokie ….. son, Ian (Navy)
~ IncPen ….. Sarah (who was IncPen’s maid of honor at her wedding), Air Force flight nurse, just landed in Kuwait
….. friend’s son Matt is in Kuwait
….. brother in law Paul is awaiting deployment
~ TruthNtegrity ….. cousin's son, Andy, is a Midshipman at the US Navy Academy, studying Astronautical Physics; wants to be a pilot
~ RoseofTexas ….. the son of a friend, Leo, an MP in Kuwait
~ goodnesswins ….. neighbor’s husband, Bruce, flying C-17's from Germany to Iraq
~ azGOPgal’s friend’s friend, Jeremy who is in the 10th Mountain Division
~ Warriormom requests prayer for April, a young, single mom de-mining the waters in the gulf
~ FresnoArmyBrat ….. a cousin
~ Jim Robinson ….. two nephews
~ Marysecretary ….. grand-nephew, Paul, who is in Iraq
~ tinacart ….. best friend's son, Cody - 4th Infantry
~ DallasDeb ….. niece in Army, posted to Kuwait, may be repairing comm equipment in Iraq
~ hoosiermama ….. Callie, in Iraq; Dawn's brother ??? and George in a tank somewhere
….. … one of our teachers Dan, working stateside to help "process" military and supplies
~ bigghurtt ….. 5 years in the Army, soon-to-be Special Forces
~ JulieRNR21 ..... friend Betty's grandson, Matt, in US Army
~ Scott Speicher from Desert Storm
~ McLynnan ….. Seth, closest friend’s son-in-law, deploying to Iraq
~ PhiKapMom’s daughter, Jennifer, U. S. Navy
~ Cate ….. son David, in Iraq since June with the 4th ID
~ ladyinred ….. Josh, newly deployed to Iraq
….. Also, Josh's sister Pamela
….. their mother now has 2 children over there and one who has just returned home
~ JulieRNR21 ….. J.C., now serving in US Army in Iraq
~ ntnychik ….. the members of the 10th Mountain Division (which will be in Iraq for the long haul) and their families
~ Pan_Yan & Pan_Yans Wife ….. friend, Mike, stateside now but expects to go back to Iraq in late winter
~ Jewels1091 ….. Nick (friend of youngest daughter) going to Iraq for 18 months
~ MS.BEHAVIN ….. friend's son-in-law, Scott, has been deployed to Iraq
~ hoosier_RW_conspirator ….. son Jake
~ Happy2BMe ….. son Aaron has just left for a year in Iraq
~ Jaguar Girl ….. nephew Jimmy is serving in the Air Force
~ hoosierpearl ….. friend Robert, deployed to Afghanistan in March. He has three small children and a wife at home and has a particularly dangerous job
~ WVNan ….. John, the son of a friend, a Marine, probably in Fallujah now .
~ Lunatic Fringe ….. brother deployed with the 2/7 Cavalry
~ Lunatic Fringe ….. best friend from high school, deployed with the 1/7 Field Artillery
~ ODC-GIRL ... part of her unit is in Iraq
~ Jaguar Girl ….. her cousin, Peter (Marines), has just been deployed to Iraq
~ Keith Matthew Maupin, the soldier who has been taken hostage. Prayers for his well-being and for his safe release and for strength and courage for his family.
~ TejasRose ….. Candice, daughter of a close friend, is serving with the Army in Iraq
~ alaska-sgt ….. asks for prayers for himself, his brother, and his brother-in-law, all members of the US Air Force
~ WVNan ….. lurker Kathey's son, Brian (U.S. Army)
~ Pippin ….. nephew's fiance who is also stationed in the Far East. (USArmy)
~ Kewlhand Tek, a FReeper, is currently serving in Iraq
~ bethelgrad, a FReeper, who is leaving for Rhode Island to train this summer as a Navy Chaplain. He especially asks for prayers for his wife and 2 young sons while he is gone.
~ notpoliticallycorewrecked ….. CD (Marines) has returned to (light) active duty while his wounds continue to heal. Prayers for his continued recuperation!
~ St.Mark ….. nephew, somewhere between Syria and Fallujha (Marines); and son, in Twentynine Palms CA in training (Marines)
~ savagesusie ….. son Cory is in Afghanistan
~ redhead ….. granddaughter & husband (Stephanie and Josh), and a nephew (Michael), all serving in Iraq
~ stand 4 something ….. son Cade has joined the Air Guard and is in training.
~ Freeper firstiamaussoldier classified assignment, stateside
….. ….. Sister-in-law, Deanna, USAF active duty HAFB
….. ….. Ex-husband, Benton, 161st Air refueling FT ANG Sky Harbor … (All second to fourth generation military.)
~ Texagirl4W ….. nephew, Jesse (Navy)
~ Militiaman7 ..... son, Jonathan, who is a FReeper, is in Afghanistan with the Virginia Army National Guard.
~ jonsie ….. son Ryan has been in Iraq as a medic with 1st Cav since Sept. 2003, he is now guarding the green zone
~ elder5 ….. brother-in-law W0-2 Brian F., Army Reserve Chopper pilot, on his 2nd tour in Iraq
~ firstiamaussoldier ….. son has been sworn in as a Marine Reserve in the delayed entry program as he finishes up high school
~ Don'tMessWithTexas ….. 2 brothers-in-law in the service
….. … a Lt.Cmdr in US Navy deployed in Guam
….. … a Major in US Army deployed in in the Sunni Triangle outside Baghdad.
~ notpoliticallycorewrecked ….. scoutmaster of our BSA troop, Rick (Army National Guard). His unit will be leaving for training in Sept. and shipping over to Iraq before the end of the year though he will not be going with them.
~ reformed_dem ….. Luke (Marine), the son of a good friend, who is shipping out to Iraq in early Sept.
Ladysmith ….. brother's fiance's son, Shane, has just graduated from boot camp and is considering making the Army his career
~ Texas Princess ….. nephew Roland, (Air Force), currently stationed in Korea
~ Himyar ..... son, Robert, is deployed to the Mideast
~ W04Man ….. Jared, the son of a high school friend, is in Iraq with the Louisiana National Guard
~ an anonymous FReeper ….. son, Stephen (Army), in Baghdad
~ spotbust1 ….. husband CW2 Frank (LAARNG), serving in Iraq
~ Ladysmith ….. nephew, Elliott, starts bootcamp on 10/19/04 for the Army Reserves
~ LUV W ….. son David is a Captain in the Air Force, stationed right now in Florida.
~ CyberAnt ….. nephew Jody (USMC) … is home from Japan but will be redeployed elsewhere in January.
~ Kentucky ….. has a request for prayer from a Marine Mom whose son, Ramsey, is in Iraq
~ W04Man ….. wife’s niece's son, Brooks, is in Iraq
~ Trust but Verify ….. friend’s husband, Donald, infantry scout with the 1st ID
~ snowtigger ….. Peter, 1/24 INF (he drives a Stryker armored vehicle) ….. just shipped out to Mosul
~ marylina ….. friend’s son, Brandon (Navy) – stationed on a destroyer that will be deployed to the MidEast in December
~ Reagan79 ….. brother, Chris, a Marine Reservist from MS, will be leaving Jan 5th for Iraq
~ homemom ….. Kelsey, a young lady now serving in Iraq
~ Sea2ShiningSea ….. cousin’s son, James, is in Iraq
….. … Chad, her “adopted” soldier
~ TruthNtegrity ….. friend from church heading to Iraq for 3 months as a Civilian Analyst. In addition to praying for her safety, please pray for her husband, a retired Navy pilot who is very jittery about his wife going into harm's way.
~ mamaduck ….. cousin, Carl, is a Sargeant Major stationed in FL right now and will deployed to Iraq after the new year
~ Pippin ….. niece’s husband, Sung, (Air Force and brand new American citizen) is to be deployed to S. Korea at the end of November
…..niece, Melissa, is in the AirForce, currently stationed in GA

* ~ Blue Scourge ….. a Freeper (Air Force), leaving for basic training
* ~ Collier ….. friend, Jim, father of 3 girls....Iowa National Guard, currently in Afghanistan
* ~ repubmom ….. son Brian has enlisted as a Special Forces recruit - he leaves for Basic right after Christmas
* ~ Freeper firstiamaussoldier ….. brother Michael has now retired from the USAF
* ~ GOP-Pat ….. cousin's husband Tommy, retired from sheriff's department in July to volunteer to go to Iraq to train the Iraqi troops.
* ~ SE Mom ….. son Tommy, 101st AB, home now in Florida undergoing chemotherapy
* ~ pGfwabf ….. son Tom is in Bagdad; son Mark is at boot camp in San Diego (Marines). He should graduate Feb. 11, do his advanced training and then ship to Iraq.

~ patriciaruth …..
…..* In Mosul, Ron and Mac
…..* In Baghdad, Rusty, Jonathan, Tim and Marwin
…..* In Kirkuk, Charles, Armando, Nicole, Sean
…..* In Balad, Paula, Claire, Jon, and Bobbie
…..* Somewhere in Iraq, Michael, Eric, Jon
…..* In Bagram, Mark
…..* Somewhere in Afghanistan, Jerry, Dennis, Mark
…..* At Walter Reed, DJ
* ~ Severa ….. husband, Jason (FR screen name Hostel), USN P-3 Aircraft Mechanic
…..* ….. brother Wes, USAF First Lieutenant
…..* ….. Jason's cousin David, 101st Airborne
* ~ BonnieJ ….. cousin Doug (Army) has returned from an extended tour in Iraq and a minor injury and is now scheduled to go to Afghanistan early in the new year.
* ~ MontanaCowgirlCop ….. brother Ted, who is an 18-year-old Marine medic overseas right now
* ~ FReeper MikeinIraq
* ~ RoseofTexas ….. Shannon G. (US Army) home from Iraq just in time for Christmas
* ~ SunflowerGal ….. grandson Daryl has returned from South Africa and is now stationed in the States

* denotes change to the list (an addition or sometimes, thankfully, someone who has come home safely)

(Please FReepmail me with changes to the list because I may miss pings. Thanks.)

[Wolfstar]

Yes, where is Miss. B.?

I've never been known for my ability to wait patiently (chuckle). Miss B. is supposed to arrive next month sometime. I sure hope so, because my fingers hurt from drumming impatiently on my desk, LOL!

[hershey]

Barney is a charmer, no doubt about it. Jackson and Dave look like sweeties. Speaking of labs, I got the most wonderful online Christmas card about labs from a friend...the website is jacquielawson.com. Check it out. Absolutely original and neat.

[hoosiermama]

HMMMmmmm...Jackson and Dave look like the two dogs that stopped by during the blizzard this week....Yuh don't suppose.....NAW!

[Wolfstar]

#15 was worthy of my entire day.....thanks.....

That photo is extraordinarily touching, and quite beautiful.

[Wolfstar]

Hi, Gretchen. I'm glad you're enjoying the thread. It's a little bit of a different take on a year-end (and end-of-first-term) retrospective. I'll try to do something similar next Sunday with the new-making events of the last four years, if I can find suitable photos.

[Wolfstar]

Laura Bush has such a lovely smile!

That she does. She's more reserved than her husband, and I believe her enormous capacity for serenity and calmness complement's GWB's personality extraordinarily well.

[hoosiermama]

GOt that one too! Here's a link:
http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=0267638905

[McGavin999]

Great job! I love the pictures of President Bush with the children, and the one with the older lady on his shoulder is heart wrenching.

[Wolfstar]

Good day, Kayak. Thanks for posting the scripture and list of FR service members. Thank you also for using your ping list, since I hoped the messages at the top of this thread about supporting our troops would get wide circulation.

[snugs]

Love the pictures of the President with the "runaway" Barney that dog has so much character.

[Wolfstar]

Thanks, hershey, I'll definitely check out the website. It took me a bit of searching to find photos of Jackson and Dave. From TV specials I've seen, I know the VP and Lynne love them very much. They have their grandkids over to the VP's residence often, and I'm sure that makes them appreciate their Labs even more. Labs are usually great with kids.

[anonymoussierra]

BE STRONG AMERICA GOOD STRONG PRESIDENT BE STRONG AMERICA GOOD COUNTRY! BE STRONG AMERICA STRONG PERSONS! HAPPY CHRISTMAS! Thank you BE STRONG AMERICA GOOD STRONG PRESIDENT! BE STRONG AMERICA GOOD COUNTRY! BE STRONG AMERICA STRONG PERSONS! HAPPY CHRISTMAS! Thank you

[Wolfstar]

Jackson and Dave look like the two dogs that stopped by during the blizzard this week....Yuh don't suppose...

Grin...I think the VP's grandkids would not be happy with grandpa if he lost those two dogs.

[Txsleuth]

Thanx for the pictures!!!

Any time you can get pictures with "W" or Cheney in cowboy hats, it makes my heart go pitty-pat. I am not a "cowgirl" although I live in Texas but, those two men just look very natural and "manly" when they are in their home-state environment!!