First Lt. Lou Allen's family attended a reception at the White House on Thursday, Jan. 15. Allen's widow, Barbara, attended with their four sons, Trevor, Colin, Sean, and Jeremy, who had their photo taken with President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, and Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. Allen's parents, Robert and Vivian, and his sister Laurene Sandstrom also attended. President Bush gave them all gifts. The boys were thrilled to meet him," Sandstrom said. "He gave all of us a hug and kiss when we were introduced. We also got to bring our cameras to take pictures of everything but the President." Those photos were taken by a professional photographer. Lou Allen died in Iraq in June 2005. He was a native of Chester and a science teacher in Tuxedo, N.Y.
1st Lt. Allen's sons with Vice President Dick Cheney
1st Lt. Allen's sons with Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice
President George W. Bush delivers his farewell address to the nation Thursday evening, Jan. 15, 2009, from the East Room of the White House, thanking the American people for their support and trust. White House photo by Chris Greenberg