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!
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!"
Great post; bump for our military!!
And he is not a lawyer.
Mr. Card graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. He attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and has received numerous honorary degrees and awards.
Hanky Alert....
Ping
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!
Thank you Rosetta and Andrew for your brave service to this country!
Thanks to the Glaswegian for volunteering and a fine after action report...(trying not to sound overly biased ;)
I would have asked him why he doesn't try to talk Bush out of the idiotic AMNESTY for ILLEGAL ALIENS.
Great report. Thank you for sharing.
Oh geez - I suddenly feel underdressed!
Laz '08; we'll get the Liberal out of Libertarian!
There was a fascinating profile of one of the wounded soldiers who will be attending the inaugural activities as the President’s guest.
Believe it or not, it’s actually from The Village Voice:
Veteran Town: The stars of Bush's inauguration have scars
The day Bain almost lost his arm, and nearly his life, was the first time he saw his brother in Iraq. "We spent almost the whole day together," he said. Then his convoy headed back to Al-Taji, arriving safely. Ten minutes later, they were attacked by mortars, and Bain ended up under a five-ton truck, with three feet of clearance. "I was a magnet for lead that day," he said. "It felt like it was raining." He put his head down and faced the blast, as the rounds fell closer and closer. His left forearm was a mess of "meat and tissue," his right ring finger was severed, and his right elbow was bleeding, having at some point been shot clean through. Someone would find Bain's wedding ring and put it in his pocket while he was unconscious…
Bain said if he gets to talk to Bush at one of the receptions this week, which he thinks might happen, he would first ask the commander in chief for one of his special president's coins, to add to his military coin collection, which numbers in the hundreds.
"Then," Bain said, "I would ask the president how else I could be of service to him."
Thought you'd like to see this.
What a great leader we have. He surrounds himself with )mostly) super people as well.
Think of it: Lazamataz-Cheney, 2008.
I'm ready for my closeup, Mr. Card.
That's it! Turn in your membership card in the VRWC.
:-)
Slippers with Jelly Beans attached?
It's a research project...I swear!
Thank you bump!
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