E-MAIL FROM A CAPTAIN IN IRAQ: "It was a great moment, and I will never forget it."

E-mail from Captain who attended Pres. Bush's Thanksgiving dinner in Baghdad,* | Dec. 3, 2003 | *[shared by] Freeper yoe

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

E-MAIL FROM A CAPTAIN IN IRAQ  

Sent: Monday, December 01, 2003 10:06 AM

*************************

We knew there was a dinner planned with ambassador Bremer and LTG Sanchez.

There were 600 seats available and all the units in the division were tasked with filling a few tables. Naturally, the 501st MI battalion got our table. Soldiers were grumbling about having to sit through another dog-and-pony show, so we had to pick soldiers to attend. I chose not to go.

 But, about 1500 the G2, LTC xxxxx, came up to me and with a smile, asked me to come to dinner with him, to meet him in his office at 1600 and bring a camera. I didn't really care about getting a picture with Sanchez or Bremer, but when the division's senior intelligence officer asks you to go, you go.

We were seated in the chow hall, fully decorated for thanksgiving when aaaaallllll kinds of secret service guys showed up. That was my first clue, because Bremer's been here before and his personal security detachment is not that big. Then BG Dempsey got up to speak, and he welcomed ambassador Bremer and LTG Sanchez. Bremer thanked us all and pulled out a piece of paper as if to give a speech. He mentioned that the President had given him this thanksgiving speech to give to the troops. He then paused and said that the senior man present should be the one to give it. He then looked at Sanchez, who just smiled. Bremer then said that we should probably get someone more senior to read the speech. Then, from behind the camouflage netting, the President of the United States came around.

The mess hall actually erupted with hollering. Troops bounded to their feet with shocked smiles and just began cheering with all their hearts. The building actually shook. It was just unreal. I was absolutely stunned. Not only for the obvious, but also because I was only two tables away from the podium. There he stood, less than thirty feet away from me! The cheering went on and on and on. Soldiers were hollering, cheering, and a lot of them were crying. There was not a dry eye at my table. When he stepped up to the cheering, I could clearly see tears running down his cheeks.

 It was the most surreal moment I've had in years. Not since my wedding and xxxxx being born. Here was this man, our President, came all the way around the world, spending 17 hours on an airplane and landing in the most dangerous airport in the world, where a plane was shot out of the sky not six days before. Just to spend two hours with his troops. Only to get on a plane and spend another 17 hours flying back. It was a great moment, and I will never forget it.

He delivered his speech, which we all loved, when he looked right at me and held his eyes on me. Then he stepped down and was just mobbed by the soldiers. He slowly worked his way all the way around the chow hall and shook every last hand extended. Every soldier who wanted a photo with the President got one.

I made my way through the line, got dinner, then wolfed it down as he was still working the room. You could tell he was really enjoying himself. It wasn't just a photo opportunity. This man was actually enjoying himself! He worked his way over the course of about 90 minutes towards my side of the room. Meanwhile, I took the opportunity to shake a few hands. I got a picture with Ambassador Bremer, Talabani (acting Iraqi president) and Achmed Chalabi (another member of the ruling council) and Condaleeza Rice, who was there with him. I felt like I was drunk.

He was getting closer to my table so I went back over to my seat. As he passed and posed for photos, he looked my in the eye and "How you doin,' captain." I smiled and said "God bless you, sir." To which he responded "I'm proud of what you do, captain." Then moved on.

[MEG33]

Early one morning I saw a replay of the whole thing on CSpan.It showed a lot more of his greeting,hugging,enjoying the troops.There was a lot of picture taking and a smile epidemic!

[PogySailor]

Wow! I mean, wow!

Thanks for an inspirational post!

[TexKat]

Wonderful letter, while reading it I could visualize GWB walking around that green net toward the mic with tears in his eyes. What a wonderful event. An event that will last a lifetime even for us that were not there personally, but did have the pleasure of viewing it via cable tv.

[Maigrey]

I think this deserves a major BTTT!

TC and TT, this BUMP is for you!

[MEG33]

This is such a great letter.

[TexKat]

[PigRigger]

"When he stepped up to the cheering, I could clearly see tears running down his cheeks."


"If you command wisely, you'll be obeyed cheerfully." - Thomas Fuller

"Anyone can lead where people already want to go; true leaders take them where only their better selves are willing to tread. That’s where the leaders’ own values come in. They must want to do something with their power, not just be powerful.” — Jonathan Alter

"A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent." - Unknown

[AuH2ORepublican]

Thanks for sharing this with the world.

[billhilly]

And I, Mr. President, am proud of what you do.

[RightWingMama]

Thanks for the ping. What a beautiful story.

[BenLurkin]

Original thread Ping.

This is the real deal right here boss.

[lonevoice]

Please pass the tissue box BUMP

[Texas Termite]

Am I proud that Nana and Mommy voted for this wonderful man or what!!?!?!

He's got more guts than most only dream about. And he cares! He really cares about us all.

God bless our President and our troops!

*TT*

[Radix]

Great post and bump, thanks.

When I first heard on the radio about Bush being in Iraq, I was thinking that I had misheard. That was quite the thing to do, and I am very glad that he did go there. I believe that it was good for morale, both there, and here.

[MEG33]

This was the time to be on Fox.The announcer,Asman, I believe was reporting like he was there he was so excited(I think he has a Marine son).It was a boost for me because it was a boost for the troops and you could see it.People watching CNN and MSNBC didn't have that "sharing the joy rapport" with their announcers!

[Keith]

Did anyone get a tape of this whole thing, unedited, off of CSPAN or something?

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

He inspired our Iraqi allies, too.   (^:

Since the President's visit, the Iraqis stood up to their tormentors. They rallied against terrorism in Baghdad, and the Iraqi Student Union at Baghdad University just started a public campaign for freedom ~ and against those who attack our troops.

Thank goodness for Iraqis with internet access!

8 Avenger of the Bones ~ [grateful Iraqi blogger's nickname for Pres. Bush.] ~ Opinion Journal 

8 Iraqis rally against 'terrorism' ~ BBC  | 11/28/03

8 Officials Stand by Number of Attackers Killed in Samarra; Operations Continue  ~ [re. the Iraqi Student Union] ~ DoD | 12/03/03

[MEG33]

I just went to CSpan .org.click on video index..It is on the site as most watched video.The quality is not the best..not like seeing it as I did early one morning on CSPAN where,as in this tape, the mingling with troops is longer than the reg news showed.

[ladyinred]

The more of these posted the better!

[Fawnn]

Thanks for the ping! God bless (and protect) our President! God bless the USA!