USO Canteen FReeper Style ~ Military Reaction to the Commander in Chief ~ February 22 2003

On Feb 13th, 2003 President George W. Bush gave a speech to the thousands of Sailors
and their families attached to ships homeported at the U.S. Naval Station in Mayport, Florida.
Here are some of their reactions.

"What did you think of your Commander-in-Chief's speech?"

Here's their response:

1. "It was a very good speech. It gave that camaraderie back to us…I think we lost it for a while our ship was getting refurbished. His speech gave us back that 'umph!' we needed. I liked how he said we are going to go kick Saddam's butt. Saddam's been pussyfooting around and the United Nation's told him that he has had his last chance…the people of Iraq aren't the problem, it's their leader and his underlings."

2. "I'm highly encouraged by what the President said. I like how our Commander-in-Chief came down to the 'deck plate level' to talk to us, because we're the ones that have to do his will, and he showed that he cares by coming to see us. He gave us confidence to go do what we've got to do."

3. "He gave a great speech. He said 'thanks' to the troops here; he sent a message to the U.N. and a message to Saddam Hussein. The people onboard my ship are going to be talking about it for days and also reading about it on Military.com. Now we've got to head back to the ship to get it ready…"

4. "The President isn't afraid to say what needs to be said to get the job done. He's not politicking and not mincing words. We don't need that -- we've got way too many serious things going on. We've got countries like France and Germany that want to play games right now and they've a record of doing that, so I'm not surprised. It's good to have a leader that's willing to step up to the plate when we need it most and a speech like this for the 'Blue-shirts' means everything to them because they're getting ready to leave their families for six months and it's great for them to know that their leader is behind them."

5. "The President's speech was very exciting and very emotional. We're very nervous at home wondering about what's going to happen. I think we should stop politicking and go get the job done, so my husband can get back home and let us continue on with our family life." (Quote from the wife of a Navy helicopter pilot.)

"Soldiers Like Him"

Although his hair was graying and his legs weren't strong,

His heart was powerfully full of Patriotic song.

He had pride for his Country, the same one for which he'd fought,

Laying down his life, so Freedom could be sought.

When others began to stare, it changed his mind none,

For he had earned the right; he had carried the soldier's gun.

With his shakey right hand, he applied it to his chest,

Stood as straight as he was able,

his pride for Nation was above the rest.

He had crawled through the mud, on his belly so cold,

To protect Old Glory, while she flew so bold.

Each star and each stripe, waved forever in his mind,

And his wheelchair carried the results, of a long ago land mine.

But he mustered the strength, from a place the others would never understand,

For he still traveled with the nightmares, of the Iwo Jima sands.

While the others remained seated, it was he that was in awe,

For he knew if it wasn't for Soldier's like him,

this Nation would surely fall.

Thank You, President Bush

Dear President Bush,

Thank you for being a commander-in-chief that I can respect. Not because I'm serving America. No, I just love someone that proudly serves America. To have someone with moral convictions, and the courage to stand behind them is nothing short of a miracle.

Perhaps, you don't understand why I feel this way. We spent 8 long years praying for the end of Bill Clinton's reign at the helm of the greatest military power in the world. We watched with dejection, disgust, and animosity as he tore down the military's power and mocked the capabilities of our forces. We watched with horror as he lied to the American people on television and was rewarded with high approval ratings, re-election, and Hollywood fanfare. We cringed at the sound of his voice and the sight of his presence. We longed for the days that we could point out to our children that the commander-in-chief was an honorable man. We also wondered when we would once again have an honorable First Lady. We prayed for the day to come and it seemed to be such a long and unendless road.

The election of 2000 gave everyone a glimmer of hope. Then the recounts began. We watched in horror again as military votes were being disregarded by Democratic operatives of Al Gore. Who had hoped to merely prolong the failed policies of the Clinton administrations. At each turn, you stood up for us. You demanded that the brave men and women fighting on America's behalf have their votes counted. You didn't just sit on your laurels. You made it public. You made the Democrats hide or answer the charges. All of which backfired on them. When the national drama ended, we were all relieved. Yet, we were not certain what kind of President or commander-in-chief you would make. You were untested and we were unsure. Yet, we had hope.

In February/March of 2001, we got our answer. When the USS Greenville struck a Japanese fishing boat, the media was in a frenzy. Instead of reacting like Bill Clinton, you promised that there would be a full investigation; but you refused to condemn the entire Navy for what had happened. You stated "mistakes were made, but it is not indicative of the US Navy's overall achievements." Amen to that.

In April, the Chinese illegally held crewmembers from one of our planes. Instead of sacrificing them in the spirit of internationalism, you stood your ground. Instead of telling China that you felt their pain, you merely had the resident Ambassador write a thank you for "looking" after our crew and explained how sorry we were at the death of the Chinese pilot's death. It was thus proceeded by your determination not to get in the way of celebrations when these brave men and women returned home from being held captive. Thank you for not pulling a Bill Clinton. Your decency and compassion towards the military and their families was on full display for all to see and hear.

September 11th didn't create or elevate you as a leader. You already had it. No! It actually showed the rest of the world what you and America was made of. They tested your steely determination and were met with fear in the Arab streets. While many cheered, deep down they knew that trouble was on the horizon and they were on your radar screen.

A telling story from September 11th sums it up for your love for our military and those that serve America proudly:

The following incident from Major General Van Antwerp may give us an insight. Gen. Antwerp is president of the Officers' Christian Fellowship. He lost nearly all his staff when the Pentagon was attacked Sept. 11. His executive officer LTC Brian Birdwell was badly burned and in the hospital when President Bush visited him. Our President spent time and prayed with Brian. As he was getting ready to leave, he went to the foot of Brian's bed and saluted. He held his salute until Brian was able to raise his burned and bandaged arm, ever so slowly, in return. The Commander-in-Chief never initiates a salute, except in the case of a Congressional Medal of Honour winner. The injured soldier did not have to return the salute. But he did, out of respect to his President - a Soldier' s President. Congressman JC Watts (R. Oklahoma) said, "Character is doing the right thing when nobody is looking. " In this time of war and danger, I am so grateful to have a President whom the soldiers salute - fully".

To some people in America and around the world, this is a cheesy example and a rather pathetic look at America's military power and her President. To the rest of us, we look at this example with teary eyes filled with pride for a man that has lead the military back to the importance and value that President Reagan had left. Thank you for the example and for carrying on Reagan's Revolution.

Many people around the world do not understand the weight on your shoulders. They do not read the intelligence reports or get detailed briefings everyday. As your day begins with these briefings, people are going about their life. They are getting their children ready for school and then prepare to head out for work. They try to prioritize what family and business issues need to be worked on. You don't have that luxury. You wake up with the knowledge that today's briefings will be worse than yesterday's. You wake up to the knowledge that the list of terrorist organizations grow by the minute and they all have one goal: THE DESTRUCTION OF AMERICA. We can tell that it has made you a little more gray, but we don't know the full extent of your pressure.

We also don't live in the tiny bubble that must be foreign diplomacy. I wonder sometimes whether you'd tell the Prime Minister of France where to go, but refrain so because it isn't a gentleman kind of thing to do. Although, no military person would not believe that he didn't have it coming to him. Or for that matter Germany or Belgium officials. It must be hard to deal with the Saudis. Especially knowing that they support terrorists. Knowing that while you try to help Israel, they help to finance those that kill innocent Israeli children and their parents. That must be a struggle.

Through all this, you've managed to take time to come and thank our military. You have not forgotten us during legislative battles. You've insisted on military pay raises, better standard of living, and health care benefits. You've insisted that Americans thank the military and to pray for all that serve. You thank the military dependents for their sacrifice on behalf of a grateful nation. You also tell wonderful stories and highlight all the good that the military does in the local communities. You've made it a point to tell the world a million times that the war against terrorism will be like none we have ever fought or waged before. Yet, very few listen or remember your stirring words from September 20th, 2001 to Congress.

While you may thank us, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you. Thank you for not forgetting us. Thank you for being a decent, kind, and warm human being that my children can look upon proudly. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to rally the troops. Thank you for taking time out to thank the military families. There are many times when we feel alone in this world and yet, the most powerful man in the world takes time to thank us. Thank you for telling us that you pray for us and that America does as well. When you tell us that you pray for the military, we know it's the truth. We can see it in your eyes, hear it in your voice, and sense it in your determination. Thank you, Mr. President. God Bless You! God Bless America!

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