Free Republic Rocks!
God Bless America!
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!
pinging you guys to ping the DC chapter!!
America ping news information Thank you
What a great post! Thanks for sharing........and Hello, Mr. Card!!! We love the Bush Administration....every last one of you, especially President Bush and Laura!
Doubtful. But im sure he is well aware of the organizational effort FR has undertaken to further the conservative cause befire and during the Bush administration.
I wouldnt be suprised if the press secretary's office has someone signed up to lurk.
Yes, they are here, so be careful who you mouth off to :-)
WOW!!!! God Bless Them!!! I just love those men and women so much. I do hope they know that no matter what, we are standing right beside them.
The real West Wing must be a very cool place indeed, since it is not burdened with all those sanctimonious, creepy leftists from "The West Wing."
Thanks for the after action report.
Thanks for your efforts on behalf of our defenders.
Thanks for coming to America.
I can tone down my rhetoric, Mr. Card, if I am called upon to serve.
Kudo's, Scotsman. Thanks for serving for us.
Great post....and thank you for spending time with our service men and women.
Especially all those cries of "I HOPE YOU BLEACHED THIS!" around the Oval Office.
Thank you for helping out a few of our brave servicemen and women and for passing along our greetings.
Ping
Tell Andy to come home so he can run for the Senate against John Kerry.
Thank you for being there in service for our wounded military heros and a sterling representative of Free Republic.
Please tell the President and the whole administration how MUCH they are appreciated!
Tell Mr. Rove that I hope he had a GREAT birthday (we share the same b-day).
Do you ever see Ari much anymore?
AND...THANKS FOR STAYING ON FOR ANOTHER FOUR! I know your work must completely take over your life--what little is your own anymore. Please know that we all really appreciate your fine service to our WONDERFUL President, and this great Country! (Big time! ;-)
God Bless you, Sir!
NordP (www.pledgewear.com) – I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE.
you tell him, you're his mom! ; )
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