Posted on 01/19/2005 5:47:42 AM PST by The Glaswegian
Andrew H. Card says, "You guys (The FreeRepublic.com) are great!"
I was greatly blessed yesterday to attend as an inaugural volunteer the Military Gala, I was, along with many other fine folks, given the privilege of assisting our wounded heroes from Walter Reed. During the event Andrew M. Card, The Chief of Staff to the President came into the Suite where we were watching the "Fantastic" show from. The corporate suites had been donated for the event so that the wounded servicemen and women could watch the show in comfort.
Mr. Card graciously introduced himself to me, and I told him I was an Inaugural Volunteer he then proceeded to spend time with the two wounded heroes and their families who were the honored guests of the President at the event.
As Mr. Card was about to leave I said to him, "Sir, do you have a moment?" He said "Sure" I told him that I wanted to thank he and the President for all they have done for our country and that I would like him to send Greetings to the The President from FreeRepublic.com!
As I said this he grabbed my hand again and said, " You guys are great, thank you for all you have done!" We chatted for a moment about FreeRepublic and he gave some personal comments about his knowledge of the FreeRepublic.com. Knowing how much it would mean to my fellow Freepers across the country, and particularly the DC Chapter, I asked him for his permission to post some details of our discussion on the FreeRepublic.com, he very graciously agreed, and then he reached into his pocket and gave me his personal business card.
Mr. Card appeared to have a very positive view of The FreeRepublic.com and was aware of some of our contributions to the political process. He was a very gracious and polite man and it was indeed my privilege to meet with him.
I would also like to say the true heroes of this event were the Service men and women and their families who attended. Particularly those who had been wounded, and those whom we honored who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. During the show my duties were to help escort wounded soldiers to their Suites and then during the event we gave them any assistance they needed, which was not much, as despite their serious injuries they were determined just to get on with life. I talked with several of these heroes, none of them seemed bitter, none seemed to be diminished in their love of country or their commitment to their comrades. They are true heroes.
In the suite we had two brave soldiers, Rosetta and Andrew. They gave me their permission to tell you a little of their story.
Rosetta, a Medic originally from Oklahoma, was with the 1-12 Cavalry and was injured in November in Sadr City in Iraq. The only women in her squad, a mortar hit her and her friend taking a cigarette break in the mess tent. Her friend was killed instantly, she survived but was severely wounded with multiple shrapnel wounds. Despite this she is battling on, and was looking forward to rejoining her unit.
Andrew, from Missouri and now North Carolina was with the North Carolina National Guard 120th Infantry.He was in Tuz, Iraq traveling in a Bradley which was hit by an RPG. He was in the turret, the crew survived, but he and his Lieutenant both lost a leg. Andrew would not let us help much, he was very positive and was looking forward to going back to North Carolina when he had finished rehabilitation.
May God Bless Rosetta and Andrew, and all the wounded warriors, and their families and grant them a healthy and speedy recovery!
I cannot tell you what a privilege it was for me to help these two HEROES in my small way. I will be forwarding the thread link to both the soldiers.
While in the Suite the person responsible for coordinating special events for the seriously wounded at Walter Reed Hospital came by to visit her two warriors. While she was there I offered my help to assist when needed at other events. She was pleased to accept. I plan on taking some of the boys whom I coach on my U18 soccer team with me to help as well. If any Freepers are interested in helping in the DC area you may freepmail me.
This was a simply superb event, all of the volunteers and the Presidential Inaugural Committee Staff were professional and worked hard to make this a seamless production, and they succeeded. Most of all the country should be so proud of the Men and Women who serve, their sacrifice is incalculable. May God bless them and the nation for which they serve! Please pray for our troops!
I wish I had his email address....so that I could direct him to "interesting" threads....yep!!!
Ping.
Thanks for this incredible report! FReepers ROCK!
Did he mention anything about the CBS "memos" controversy?
The Bush administration ROCKS! True patriots all.
Thanks for telling your story!
That is a great story! God bless our troops and all who support them.
This is what the dims don't get. The behind the scenes things that are done with no cameras and no photo ops. This is why we love our Guy!
Of course, let's not be self-effacing. We really are great.
'FreeRepublic, I don't like it. The DU is better, they know how to worship me and all you will bow down to me when I take over the country'
/Sarcasm OFF
Bttt!
Hey, I've volunteer duties tomorrow. Maybe I'll see you around?
Card's a gentlemen. He's a real democrat, small "d," to get the fact that he's not elected, President Bush is, and to always put the boss first in such a low-key way.
When he does that, he puts all of us, the people President Bush leads, first too. So we all owe him our gratitude.
And did you read that recent article about him? He apparently has a fantastic memory.
(Well, what can I say, this inaugural gossip is fun. Me, I'm female, and I'm just *dying* to see what our First Lady is wearing. They say it will be beautiful. She's got such a twinkle in her eye, anything looks good on her. Oh, I do love all of this crowd.)
God Bless you, our brave soldiers, and America.
OH BOY!! This is going to drive the DUh'ers CRAZY!
^5 Mr. Card
God Bless GWB, pray for him and our troops.
Well done!!!
Our neighbors are coming over for a little party, and we'll all be toasting to you all there!
You all make us even MORE proud to be Americans, Sir!
No, but he did mention he was terribly amused by this one fellow who scams the Nigerian 409 internet scammers.
Mr. Glaswegian, you are a fine American to have volunteered your time. You certainly put a good face on us FReepers for Mr. Card. No wonder he likes us :)
Seriously, Mr. Card, we are pajama'd up and ready for service - 24/7!
May God bless you Rosetta and Andrew and help you heal.
I am so eternally grateful to these brave men and women who serve our country..Thank you so much for volunteering and sharing their stories..I thank those who honored them,too.
AMERICA HOME OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.
Mr. Card..Thank you for serving our wonderful President and our country.
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