[presidio9]

Dikembe Mutombo, left, acknowledges applause at the U.S. Capitol. Mutombo was honored during Bush's speech as an example of "heroic kindness, courage and self-sacrifice." MARK WILSON: GETTY IMAGES

[RexBeach]

Oprah is probably very upset she didn't get a mention about her school in Africa.

Too bad.

[HarmlessLovableFuzzball]

Can American-African-Americans learn a lesson or two from this guy ?

[avacado]

That was a great moment last night!

[beyond the sea]

I'm sorry..... I love Laura Bush..... but have you noticed that she applauds like a trained seal? (Flap, Flap, Flap)

I really love that beautiful little lady, but she has a very funny way of applauding.

;-)

[dfwgator]

Great story. Immigrants (especially those who come in legally) are the ones who appreciate what this country is all about, moreso than most of us who are fortunate enough to be born here.

[Alter Kaker]

The man speaks NINE languages and has two degrees from Georgetown, but he will be always remembered for using the world's greatest pickup line, "Who wants to sex Mutombo?"

[beyond the sea]

...... and by the way, the Dikembe Mutombo moments were the best of the night!

(jmo)

[USMCWife6869]

What an uplifting story. I had no idea. I am thrilled to see that there are actually some non-thug basketball players out there lately. My husband and I have all but given up on the sport these days.

I can't tell you how happy I am to see such a giving and unselfcentered athlete.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

Mutombo, working almost daily, raised $29 million (donating $15 million himself) for the construction of the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital and Research Center in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mutombo plans to open the hospital — Kinshasa's first new one in 40 years — this summer. It is named for his mother, who died nine years ago when civil unrest and a curfew prevented her from getting to a hospital.

What a pity. Dikembe Mutombo was already a multi-millionaire nine years ago - presumably his mother resisted moving to the US and leaving her homeland.

[Remole]

I taught at Georgetown while Dikembe was a student there (he was never in any of my classes) and his presence was unmistakeable. All over the campus, you could hear his fog-horn like laugh. Just remembering it right now makes me smile.

[38special]

These type of athletes, like Dikembe Mutombo need more press, not the Dennis Rodmans or the Barry Bonds or the Terrell Owens prima donna types.

[LanPB01]

I'd like to see Mutombo swat away some of the Democrat proposals and do his famous finger wave in their face.

[Hot Tabasco]

Read the guy's bio, he is one impressive individual who hardly fits the typical NBA stereotype..........

There are two other college players with similar backgrounds who really impressed the heck out of me also. Unfortunately I can't remember their names........

[SirLinksalot]

Mutombo is better known for his tenaceous defense than his offense. He led the NBA in block shots for several seasons and is known to shake his finger everytime he rejects someone's shot . That trademark finger-wagging is known as "NOT IN MUTOMBO's HOUSE, YOU DON'T".

He's nearing the age of 40 and still active, but playing backup to Yao Ming for Houston.

[river rat]

A real class act.....
Would that we had 10,000,000 more with HIS attitude and patriotism.

Semper Fi

[Moose4]

"WHO WANTS TO SEX MUTOMBO??" Rome ping.

}:-)4

[Marysecretary]

He is a national treasure. What a generous and humble man he is. I love Africans.

[blitzgig]

I especially enjoyed this moment last night because I used to watch Mutombo play college basketball years ago when he was with the Georgetown Hoyas. He is definitely a great role model!

[IDontLikeToPayTaxes]

I was more impressed with the Silver Star recipient sitting beside him.

[eyespysomething]

Said Mutombo in a phone interview afterward: "My heart was full of joy. I didn't know the president was going to say such great remarks. He raised me so high. I'm so happy. I'm so proud to be a citzen of the United States of America and to be recognized for my work. God is good to have put this work in my heart."

I've got tears in my eyes at this. This and the man who saved the kid who fell on the subway tracks in NYC. They are both humble greatful people. Makes me proud to call them fellow Americans.