Posted on 01/05/2002 8:47:00 AM PST by Salvation
Oregon firefighters, volunteers in presidential greeting party
By TYPHANNY TUCKER
The Associated Press
1/4/02 8:14 PM
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- When President Bush arrives in Portland on Saturday, he will be greeted by firefighters, fighter pilots and other Oregonians who helped out after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., who assisted with arrangements for Bush's first presidential visit to the state, chose a "delegation of Oregon heroes" to meet Bush at Portland International Airport.
The greeting party will include Oregon National Guard members who flew surveillance missions over the Northwest in the weeks after the East Coast terrorist attacks to patrol for any unauthorized airplanes. Volunteer Oregon firefighters, rescue workers and Red Cross mental health counselors who took their expertise to New York City will also be on hand.
Portland firefighter Wesley Loucks, who saw the devastation first hand, plans to put in a word of support for the war when he gets within earshot of the president.
"This is the only way we can stop terrorism. If it isn't stopped now, my kids will have to deal with it, or their kids will," he said.
Loucks went to New York with three other Portland firefighters in the days after the attack to work at ground zero.
"I said to my friend Neil, 'This is going to change our lives,' but we didn't know then how much," he said.
Three Red Cross workers will meet Bush at the airport, and will represent more than 300 Oregon volunteers who flew to the East Coast to counsel victims and organize emergency food and shelter.
"I think it is wonderful to have that kind of recognition," said Ken Strobeck, spokesman for the Oregon Trail Chapter of the Red Cross.
Portland Mayor Vera Katz will greet Bush at an event at Parkrose High School, where he is scheduled to address business leaders and workers.
"I'm always very honored when the president of the United States comes to our city," Katz said.
Bush also will visit a Portland job training center that connects people with employment, community-based education and social service organizations.
Labor and peace groups plan to greet Bush in their own way, and were planning protests outside locations where he is scheduled to speak.
"In a single refugee camp today, up to 100 innocent Afghans are dying of exposure and starvation," said Chris Roehm of the Portland Peaceful Response Coalition. "That's the reality of Bush's so-called 'war against terrorism.' "
Laid-off workers and union members will attempt to deliver a message to the president when he visits the high school.
Or helping homeless families cope with their situation?
Excuse me, but if it isn't stopped now - there won't be any kids to deal with it!!
Hope all the folks who missed President Bush's first BIG WIN, will see your heads up.
PST or EST?
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