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!
TG, thanks for sharing your encounters with us! Mr. Card, thank you for your loyalty to the Bush Presidents. And thank you for your gracious & appreciative comments about FR! It's very gratifying to hear that you know we have your 6 o'clock. Any FRiend of our prayerful President is a FRiend of the FReepers! Many, many thanks to our military personnel & families - and especially those who have been harmed...
The Lord's blessings to you and yours. :)
Why don't you ask him?
http://www.freerepublic.com/~andycard/
:)
j/k
Love the South Park Republican graphic.
I think there is WH address if IIRC.
Would have to go digging, and he probably doesn't even check it himself anyway.
It seems to be different in format from the typical WH address for EOP folks (firstname_lastname@who.eop.gov). Maybe just andycard@whitehouse.gov
Let's hope they start reading the immigration threads.
:)
bttt
WE are blessed to have Jim Robinson who runs this unique site that is untouch by any imitators, or mockers on the web!
Here the real American of the Republic can have a true voice!
I Volunteer!
"...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...."
I myself haven't been "carded" in years!
Since you said you are sending the link to this thread to Andrew and Rosetta, I want to say something to them.
Rosetta, Andrew, I want to thank you both for your service. It is my prayer that you both recover fully and quickly from your injuries. It humbles me to realize that there are people like you who are willing to go to the enemy in order to protect us and our freedoms.
I am grateful for your service and will keep you in my prayers, along with your families.
Glaswegian, thanks for going to offer a helping hand to Rosetta and Andrew and for expressing our appreciation to them both and expressing to Mr. Card our love and appreciation for him, the President and his staff.
I just don't think I could have more respect for our President Bush and his staff. Mr. Card always impresses me so much and for him to have the strength and internal calm to remain with the President for four more years thrills me.
It comforts me to know that we have such good people surrounding President Bush.
Goosebumps bump, for a great contribution...thanks Glaswegian for sharing this wonderful story. And thank you for your service as a volunteer to our heros.
You done us proud.
My eternal gratitude to Andrew and Rosetta, for their dedication and sacrifice in providing my freedom!
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... and wishing and working for Andrew Card and WhiteHouse continued Victory! :)
Thanks for the ping. Brought moisture to my eyes, Rosetta and Andrew. In September, here in NC, househunting to be near our military families.. we came across a home for sale. There on the front porch, as we drove up, a youngish man with one full side of his body burned, obviously, by very hot fire. He gallantly turned his face, the burnt side, away as we walked up the path. His hair cut, his demeanor told me what I needed to know. I thanked him. What I wanted to do was give him some of my own skin for grafting. He cannot know how much his sacrifice is appreciated and respected, sufficiently. He will bravely soldier on with his wounds. I'll not forget him.
Card is a great man.
Two great events in one day--this Post from the Glaswegian and Dr. Rice's confirmation with 16 votes. Two insignificant nays from two insignificant members--Kerry and Boxer. The Dems have them both--and we have Andy Card and Condoleeza Rice--two of the many reasons why we'll be watching George W. Bush's Inauguration tomorrow! Blessings on all our troops, on those who wait for them and those who lead them--they are the best! (Is that really your mom, Mr. Card?)
Well of course .. Freepers Rock!
Thank you for telling us about your evening with the soldiers .. God Bless everyone one of them
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