[trooprally]

Several of you have requested more details of the White House Breakfast with President Bush and the other movers and shakers in his time in office. This report is from [Mrs] Trooprally and my perspective. Hopefully the other FReepers who were there will write them comments, especially if I get something wrong.

I also need to preface this Report. CJ, FReeper chcknhawk, was at Walter Reed Friday night and related his story of seeing the President a few days earlier. He was able to sit down with the President in small groups of 15 or so. I didn't expect that type of meeting because I figured about 50 of us would be there. Kristinn said that he had 5 slots for FReeRepublic. The other groups were filling their slots, which I assumed were equally small. Instead there were about 600+ of us on the South Lawn having a real good Continental Breakfast. There were 300 or so alone from Vets for Freedom.

The groups invited were those who had people going to meet representatives on Capitol Hill this week. FReeRepublic got only 5 slots. The President gave a pep talk for our visits.

Our story begins last Thursday with a call from Kristinn asking if we wanted to see the President on Tuesday. Of course!!! Kristinn also said not to say anything to anyone in case it didn't happen. We must have looked the cat that choked on a canary when at Walter Reed. We were bursting at the seams to tell some of our FReepers friends. Sorry guys/gals.

Kristinn - A heartfelt Thanks for asking us.

Final word came Monday that we would be going. We hitched a ride with tgslTakoma and Kristinn. We arrived at the East Gate a little after 7 AM. First we went through an informal check of our IDs. At the interior fence, we went through the metal detectors. No problem there.

But we were relieved of the items we brought for the President. We had one of the buttons from GoE III (It proudly had FReeRepublic.com on it) and one of the Olney Sign Collage Mouse Pads. We also had a picture of our son shaking hands with General Pace's in Iraq. We were hoping to have the President sign it for us. The Secret Service did get our name and address so hopefully we'll get the picture back with the President's signature on it.

Now we were expecting a small crowd to meet the President IN the White House. We were surprised when we were directed to the South Lawn where the tables were set. We were dressed for inside temperatures. The upper 50 degree temps quickly chilled everyone there and the coffee was the "hot" item for everyone. The sun peeked over the trees about 8:30 and the air warmed up a little.

We meet several other FReepers there and we all sat together. We had a great table since we got there early, right on the center isle and about 50 feet from where the President was to talk. We had a great group, joking and reminiscing about Friday's Walter Reed FReep and GoE III. As Kristinn wrote, FReepers, more particularly Flib, started the "USA, USA, USA" chant.

We also kept the MSM in line. Twenty minutes before the President came out, the media moved in with their cameras and lights. They set up in the middle of the 20 wide center isle and soon started to spread out. They blocked the view of us and everyone behind us. [Mrs] Trooprally got up several times and corralled them back into the center. There were several cat calls of "AP go home" from someone in a cowboy hat. Eventually they got the hint and stayed in the center behind their cameras.

The President's speech was fairly short but rousing. The plan for the morning was for the President to visit every table after he finished. He went over to the first table to shake hands of those there and suddenly everyone swarmed him. It took the Secret Service several minutes to get through the crowd to put a loose protective circle around him and Vice President Cheney.

One of the first to make it to the President were Gold Star wives Deborah (Debm29palms) and Laura. They both got a hug and kisses from him and had their husband's picture sign by him. Angelwood, Flib and tgslTakoma were also able to make it up to him. Not sure what they got. Kristinn was one of the last to shake the President's hand and thank him for staying the course. He also gave VP Cheney a FR button.

Unfortunately, [Mrs] Trooprally and myself never made it up to either the President or Vice President. The crowd was large and pressing so we decided to take the White House walk-about first, letting the crowds shrink a little. What we did not know was that the WH walk-about was a one way walk to the exit. We could not get back to the South Lawn. One of the biggest bummers in our life. It doesn't get much worst that this.

We did get to talk to, and hug, Condi Rice and talk to Karen Hughes. We could not find General Petraeus. So it was not a complete wash out. We did get some memorable pictures and had a real enjoyable time.

We did get to see one important "person" that others didn't see. It was the President's new puppy.

[trisham]

Awwwwwww.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I have goosebumps!

[pissant]

Thanks for sharing this!!! Big bump.

[Enterprise]

Thank you.

[dmd25]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write your report. I can’t imagine your pain upon realizing that one way exit! Ugh!
I am so proud of our president, and also so grateful for all the support you have given to the troops. I bet you will get your photo back. Let us know!

[bray]

Thanks for the report rally. We are all very happy and proud for you. Great story.

Pray for W and Our Troops

[daisyscarlett]

Wow...thanks for the additional information and report. What was on the menu? And when did W get a new puppy and what kind is it?

I echo the sentiments of others on the thread...We are all so very proud of the D.C. Chapter and other FReepers who have joined them in their many FReeps.

[Freedom2specul8]

I really was interested in more of the details, so thank you for a great description of what happened. I’m sorry you missed the President first hand...but oh, what a story and memories to have, and great photos too! I just can’t be more excited for all of you.

I still remember the days when we saw “Angelwood” on C-span sitting on or near the back row during the impeachment hearings,....(at least I think that’s what they were). I noticed she has a new hairdo... (GRIN) So cool and awesome to see people from all over the U.S. get together with common goals and actually receive rewards for their hard labor. FreeRepublic has grown so much, it’s hard to believe it’s been 9-10 yrs!!

Thank you for sharing!!! (and nice to meet you too)

[freema]

Trooprallys’ AAR

[armymarinemom]

Thansk for the report. I was really upset when I heard that you didn’t get to shake hands with the President. Dog gone it. No pun intended.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Thank you and Mrs. Trooprally for this more detailed report of your momentous day’s events! That you even got to be there on the Lawn with the President, the First Lady, the Vice President, with Sec. Rice, and with Gen. Petraeus?, wow - just the very BEST company for you - and for all in the DC chapter - and visa versa! Our President is a HERO as are all of you!

As are all our fine and brave Americans in our military.

A special thank you for Mrs. Trooprally for keeping the mediabots in line!!! And out of your way, I hope!

Their presence would have been, for me, the only negative thing of the day......having preferred to have been in a totally 100% supportive group of our military!

And this “secret” ......oooooo....a new puppy!!!! The puppy doesn’t look like a Scottie, is he? We need NEWS about this puppy!!!! (snugs - do you have any more info about this cutie little new puppy that President Bush has???)

I know that if you will call the White House, they will find a way to get your picture of your son back!!!!! And maybe with a signature!!!!

Thanks again for your report and hope we can hear more from others - Angelwood, Kristinn? Or is it necessary to not talk too much about it all? It’s ok if so.

Mega congrats for all of your years of faithfulness in the good fight and this wonderful reward.

[4integrity]

Thank you, so much, for your post.....soooo sorry you didn’t get to meet the President. You and Mrs Trooprally sure deserve a handshake by the President. I’m sure, though, the White House walk about and meeting Condi and Karen was terrific. And, I LOVE that Mrs. T corraled the media into their pen...we need her to work with Dana Perrino at White House pressers.....lol !

I’m so glad Kristinn, you, Mrs T, tgslTakoma got to go to the White House event. You are all so dedicated. God bless each and every one of you who attend the Friday night Walter Reed salutes to our troops....you are true patriots.

[DollyCali]

great report sir! thank you for the ping & great detailing.. BUT WHAT? a new dog? I didn't know that!

[maxter]

Thanks for that report. Fabulous.

[MEG33]

Great report, Mr. and Mrs. trooprally! I am just so thrilled you all were recognized for all you do. I’m sad you got stuck on the tour.. You may not have gotten to meet the President but you got a scoop! The White House pets are always big news.grin

I am so grateful for your suppport of our troops and our wounded..

God Bless the families of those who have given all for this great nation.My humble gratitude goes out to you, Deb.

[Angelwood]

Great report trooprally (and Mrs.). It was so awesome to be standing on the South Lawn of the White House with you all on Tuesday.

I’ll add a few of my observations here.

It was a beautiful, crisp morning and I found myself outside the SE entrance to the White House at just about 7:30 a.m. I knew that 5 of us from Free Republic would be joining a number of other members of troop support groups, but we were given no details about what type of event we would be attending or who would be present. Of course, we all hoped the Commander-in-Chief would be there.

Kristinn met me outside the security station because the trooprallys and tgslTakoma had already entered the grounds. There was a short wait to go through the metal detectors and have purses and bags searched. Then we were being directed and greeted by military and staff members who were standing along the walk at varied distances on either side. The staff members were all wearing a placard on their security tags that stated, “BREAKFAST ON THE SOUTH LAWN, September 18, 2007.” That was the first inkling that it was a breakfast event.

On the outer edges of the South Lawn area, tents and buffet stations were set up with picnic tables spread out to cover the area. The tables were covered with red and white checked tablecloths and pretty baskets of flowers. It was quite colorful and lovely. The area was already full of excited people, most of whom were wearing beige or red golf shirts.

I quickly found tgslTakoma, Mr. and Mrs. trooprally and other friends and they had found a table in the center close to the front. We took some photos with the White House in the background. (Don’t you know that we had to have proof that FReepers were there!)

The breakfast food was simple, but very good. There were mini croisants, biscuits with cream cheese or jelly, blueberry muffins, cinnamon coffee cake, ham inside a roll, fresh fruit and a few other items that I don’t recall at this moment in time. Close to the buffet tents were coffee and orange juice stations. The coffee cups were disposable, but had the Presidential Seal on them and there were cocktail napkins with a seal also — very nice souvenirs.

While everyone ate and socialized with one another, a military band played. The band was positioned on the second floor balcony. They were extremely good and the audience was appreciative.

We figured that the President would be joining us at some point, but we knew for sure when a nice fellow came to our table with cards that we needed to fill out. These cards would have our name, address, phone number and description of our physical appearance that day. They were to be handed in if we were so fortunate as to be close enough to the President for the White House Photographer to snap our picture. We eagerly filled out the cards and hoped.

At 8:20 a.m., they closed the gate to any more guests. At about 8:35 a.m., they opened the gate or door to wherever they keep the press and let them in to set up. A podium was set up with a clear view from our table. Unfortunately, the press kept spreading out into what we determined to be our space where we could get a great photo of the President and Mrs. Bush. We kept reminding the members of the press to move out of our way — especially since they were biased and they weren’t going to report on this event anyway! I believe it was Kelly O’Donnell (redhead) who was not happy to be told to move — but she did.

The band played again and at 9:00 a.m. the President and the First Lady were announced. It was such a thrill to see them walking to the podium and be so close to us. Then W introduced Katy Benko and she sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem without accompaniment.

The President introduced and pointed out some of his cabinet members who had joined the group and sat at various tables nearby. The Administration officials included Condi Rice and Vice President Dick Cheney. Then the President began a short speech thanking everyone for their support of the troops and urging us to relay our support to our Congressmen and Senators. A large number of those present at the Breakfast had appointments on the Hill.

The President’s message was well received by a cheering crowd. And, even as we could hear an announcement asking us to stay in our seats, the President was surrounded by a mass of polite people who wanted to hug him, shake his hand, get a photo with him, or just thank him for his strength and leadership in the war on terror.

I couldn’t get near the crush of people by President Bush, so I joined the circle surrounding Vice President Cheney. People were everywhere, but they were in a good mood and helpful to those who were shorter or disabled or had children with them. I waited my turn and was almost next to VP Cheney when he noticed an older fellow with a badge indicating he was from Wyoming. VP Cheney started talking to him and the man introduced himself. As it turned out, the Vice President told him, “I remember you. You were 3 years ahead of me in school.” And then they reminisced for a couple of minutes more. Then it was my turn and a friendly guy took a photo of me with VP Cheney. I told Mr. Cheney that I was with Free Republic and we were the group who told Al Gore to “GET OUT OF CHENEY’S HOUSE.” I hardly got the words out when the next person stepped in to talk to him and have her photo taken.

The number of people surrounding President Bush had diminished slightly, so I began to work my way through the line. I got within about 3 rows and could see him clearly, but was too short to get a good photo. The friendly guy who took the photo of me with VP Cheney was right beside me and offered to help again. He was much taller and got some good shots.

It took awhile, but I did get to the front and was able to talk to President Bush. Seeing him greeting the wives and parents of soldiers who gave up their lives in service to our country was pretty emotional. I almost felt like I shouldn’t have been there taking up his time that should more properly be spent with each family member.

Then, it seemed sudden, he turned toward me and put his arm around me and kissed my cheek. And I kissed his cheek and gave him a firm hug. As I was thanking him for his strong leadership and steadfast courage, he was thanking me for supporting the troops. My new friend’s son took a picture of me with the President. I worked my way out of the crowd so others could take my place. It was an awesome experience that I will never forget.

I took a breather from the crowds and looked around for other FReepers. I found Mrs. trooprally. She and I were talking when we saw Karen Hughes walking toward us with another woman. She graciously stopped to talk to us and then posed with us for a photo.

I wanted to see if Condi Rice was still on the grounds, but couldn’t find her. Instead, I found a cluster of people in front of a big tree near the White House. When I checked out what was happening, I found that Laura Bush was talking to people and posing for photos. I joined the group and waited to see her. I let a group of children in front of me and Mrs. Bush hugged them all before getting the photo taken. She was very gracious and beautiful in person. I gave her a hug and thanked her as another kind stranger took a photo of us both.

Afterwards, I walked back toward the picnic table where the group had breakfast. I could see that the President still had layers of people surrounding him, but the Secret Service had established a rope line and some order to the crowd. The Vice President also had some space around him with a definitive line of people waiting to see him.

I kept walking and found tgslTakoma sitting at one of the perimeter picnic tables. We sat together for awhile enjoying the beautiful day, the company, our photos and personal stories. The trooprallys had gone inside for the White House tour and Kristinn was in line to see the President.

As the crowd dwindled, we decided to take the tour. There was a sign at the entrance to the White House stating that once inside no one could go back to the South Lawn. So tgslTakoma and I walked through the White House. We were allowed to take photos inside and take our time walking through this historic mansion. The exit was out the usual tour entrance.

As I sit here writing a report of the day, I am still in awe that I was fortunate enough to be invited to the White House and able to meet President Bush, Laura Bush and Vice President Cheney.

[3D-JOY]

Thanks for the ping and the report on your day.

It is one to remember!

[stand watie]

CONGRADS!!!!

i'm PLEASED & HAPPY for you ALL.

free dixie,sw