Bush praises troops during stopover at Eielson
Published Tuesday, August 5, 2008
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EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE -- President Bush visited at Eielson Air Force Base on Monday afternoon as Air Force One stopped for a brief refueling mission before heading to South Korea and the Beijing Olympics.
“I’ve been to a lot of military bases around the world, but I don’t think I’ve ever been to one where a moose can cause a traffic jam,” the president said.
During a 15-minute military rally, the commander-in-chief repeatedly touched on the importance of continuing the war in Iraq, receiving several ovations from the crowd of more than 1,000 soldiers and their families.
“There is no more important mission than to protect the United States from harm,” Bush said. “Many of you volunteered after the attacks on the homeland on 9/11, 2001. You understand what I know, that it is best to defeat the enemy overseas so we do not have to face them here in the United States.”
The president made a point of individually thanking every unit stationed in the Interior for their service, including Eielson’s 354th Fighter Wing, the Air National Guard’s 168th Air Refueling Wing and Task Force 49 stationed at Fort Wainwright. About 500 soldiers from the task force deployed to Iraq last month.
“You gotta know the folks from Task Force 49 are pretty tough — after all, they train at 50 below and fight at 120 above,” Bush said.
Bush, accompanied on the trip by his wife Laura and daughter Barbara, made sure to pay special attention to the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry. The more than 4,000 men and women in the brigade are scheduled to deploy to Iraq in the fall. For many who were part of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Team, the 1-25th’s predecessor at Fort Wainwright, it will be a return trip.
Originally scheduled for a 12-month deployment in 2005 and 2006, and the 172nd had its deployment extended an additional four months. Some soldiers had already returned to Wainwright and had to return to Iraq when news of the extension came.
“The other day, I made it clear that our policy on rotations is 12 months in, 12 months out,” Bush said. “I know the Stryker brigade at Fort Wainwright was one of the first to extend, and I understand it put stress on the families. Because of the progress we’re making in Iraq, there’s now certainty in rotations.”
That came as welcome news to Sgt. Gregory Williams. Williams, a 172nd veteran who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Army’s second-highest honor for fending off an insurgent attack after his Stryker vehicle was hit by a bomb, was mentioned by name in the president’s speech.
Williams will deploy to Iraq again in the fall with the 1-25th.
“I believe it’s very comforting to know this time we’ll serve 12 months and not 16, and I’ll be able to come home to my family,” he said.
The rally was open only to those with access to Eielson and a handful of Alaska politicians. Those in attendance included Gov. Sarah Palin and recently indicted Sen. Ted Stevens.
“The U.S. military has had no bigger supporter and stronger friend than Sen. Ted Stevens,” Bush said of the senator who served as a pilot in World War II.
Still, the president saved most of his gratitude for the military personnel in attendance.
“We have been unrelenting in our efforts to protect America, and I want to thank you for your service,” he said. “There is no greater honor than to be commander-in-chief of a fine group of men and women.”
This was Bush’s first visit to the Interior as president. The last president to visit Eielson was Gerald Ford in 1975.
Be sure to check out an exclusive video of President Bush's visit to Eielson.
Community Discussion
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He should be ashamed to refer to his National Guard "service". Our military deserve better.
Round 2?
Mike,
As a member of the Alaska National Guard, I would like to inform you that many of us serve alongside of our Active Duty counterparts on a daily basis. You may want to do some research on the subject before you try to bash him. I for one am just proud that he served his country, have you done the same?
What happened to the previous comments?
People need to cut the guy some slack and show some respect. I don't agree with everything he is doing. Just like not everybody agrees with the things I do. He's doing the best he can and he's our president. Show some loyalty. Seems like there are folks outside and inside the country who want to see this country fail. I'm grateful for all those who put their life on the line to keep this country safe. This includes all those who service in the military, to the local people who work to keep the community safe like police, firefighters, medical personnel, and anyone else I fail to mention here. Then thanks also to all those who keep everything else going down the line.
Oh, I see you can still view the other comments. Sorry - please disregard my earlier question.
I heard HE was pretty upset about the N.P. Foodfactory closeing.
Come on Alaskans! We should be proud to have our President stop by our base after 33 years of not having a Presidential visit... no matter who the President is.
President Bush's visit is a day my 8 year old son will never forget. He had the privilege to shake President Bush's hand and the President even spoke to him. For him it was exciting and he has no political agenda or political jabs. Say what you want, but he is our President and the leader of the free world.
Any hope that you people who were posting last night can control yourselves this time? As the father of two young children (aged six and eight) I thought I had witnessed childish behavior. But nothing my kids have unleashed matches what was going on on the Bush visit thread.
I'm sure alcohol was a factor, but it's not an excuse. I'm particularly particularly amazed that some of you posted under your actual names. I don't think I'd ever care to meet any of you (that goes for the anonymous posters as well). I was equally disgusted with both sides. Neither can claim the high road. Just about everyone dove straight for the gutter and stayed there (there were a few exceptions).
You people are an embarrassment to yourselves and to Fairbanks. And since I'll probably be savaged for having the integrity to tell you people what you need to hear, I'll also give you my name. I doubt you'll have the same courage.
David A. James
Amen to that James! Thank you!
Oops, sorry David. Just used to the military and using last names I passed right over your first name lol :)
All else put aside, Mr. Bush could have chosen to stay aboard Air Force One and take a nap but he chose to speak with our soldiers and express his thanks instead. As the mother of one of those soldiers present and heading for deployment I say THANK YOU & BRAVO!!!!!
As an American, I'm proud, very proud of each and every man or women who chooses to serve their country in the armed forces. I'm equally proud of those who serve in the National Guard. I'm proud of those who serve in the Peace Corps as well, and still just as equally proud of our Police Officers, Firemen, and any one else who puts his life on the line to help their fellow man.
I'm proud to live in a country that has an elected president, a representative body of statesmen, and a judicial system.
But I am not proud of George Bush. He has corrupted the system through lies and dishonesty that has led to a needless pointless war, indeed, even ignoring the "real" war in Afghanistan. He, and many others have abused their privilege to the point that our country is facing economic and moral ruin. I provided many other reasons last night on the forum and I won't belabor the point here. But if some of us don't stand up for justice and that torture is wrong, if some of us don't stand up to say spying on American citizens is wrong, if some of us don't stand up and say that just because we disagree that doesn't make us commies or traitors. Then those who fight for us overseas won't be coming back to the same country they worked so desperately hard to save.
May you all be blessed by the god of your choice.
Shame, Shame on the woman in the white sweater who pushed my child and her friend out of the way just as the President was going to shake their hands. Shame on you for calling them stupid kids!! They were doing nothing wrong and behaving better then most of the adults that were pushing and shoving..
Is it only me that is now noticing this constant reference to 9/11 when talking about Iraq? I am so glad the Preseident, mislabeled as the leader of the free world, was able to spend 15 minutes at a rally to thank all of the soldiers and their families. Really now people that was just oh so great of him, well that and finding more time to spread propoganda for his war.
Go team!
nonpartisain-
That lecture does not actually make you a person of integrity. It just makes you someone else who has stated an opinion here. Using your reasoning, I have a ton of integrity because I've told the military population what they've "needed to hear".
Well AKBEAR,
The constant reference to 9/11 with respect to Iraq is part of the BIG LIE. It's amazing that he was able to pull it off. But here are the consequences he'll have to live with:
Total US casualties: 4,133
Iraqi casualties: 655,000
Current cost: $542,846,991,003 (it's higher by the time you read this)
George Bush is no man to celebrate.
Some of you make me sick. Instead of complaining, being totally negative with every comment, why dont you run for President if you are of age, that way you will know what it is like to hold that position. President Bush isnt perfect, then again who is??
Like people have said before, he didnt have to get off and speak, but he did, and i for one am glad he did. It was my honor to go and listen to him speak all be it but 15 minutes.
If you people bashing President Bush can do a better job get on with it. Just think in a few months you negative people will have a new President to question and complain about his every decision.
Did anyone ask Bush about Cheney's meeting in the White House a few months ago where Cheney Suggested building several boats identical to Iranian PT boats, staffing them with Navy seals dressed up as iranians and having them start a shootout with a US ship in the strait of Hormuz?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slgBrbNXr...
If you honestly believe that I have a bridge to nowhere to see you...
Gosh Reb,
I'm sorry you're feeling ill. Know what makes me sick? 659,113 NEEDLESS deaths.
It's one thing to make mistakes. You make them, I make them, and Bush is certainly entitled to make some. But this wasn't a mistake, it was a deliberate falsification for corporate profits. There's a big difference then in making a mistake and a criminal action.
Had Bush done what he said he would do, had he taken out Bin Ladin and ended the Talibon I might be cheering too. Instead, he's trying to find ways to get us into yet another war with Iran.
Personally, I'd make a lousy president. But then again, the corporations pulling the strings would never allow me to be elected.
Hope you get to feeling better. Perhaps you should go to be early tonight.
Well, I for one see no correlation between President Bush's stop-over at Eielson AFB and whichever way anyone of us "feels" in relation to the war in Iraq, WMD's or not, nor one's hate or love for the man. In reality, and like it or not, he was appointed to office twice by a majority of voters. Now his last term in office is almost over (he is on his way out), so it makes no sense for any rational person in here to argue about things we have no control of. It was good that he took the time to stop-by and speak to the soldiers. After all, he still is The Commander In Chief until the next President takes over.
Can any of you imagine a home where everyone is constantly arguing with each other? That's the way we seem to behave in here, much like a pack of dogs barking at each other so loudly and aggressively that we can't hear what each other is saying.
The Bush bashers in these blogs have certainly taught me a lesson!!!! When Clinton was in office as president, I thought I was a real pro at Clinton bashing, but these blogs have certainly shown me I was just a lightweight.
Hey Joe thanks for the info I am getting a little confused about what they are trying to do by shifting the focus of 9/11 to Iraq. I am shocked the general public is eating this up like oil. I just so sick of all of this broohaha over a guy, yes a guy even though he is President of the United States who has lied to us repeatedly and then because he comes here we all love him. Total BS as far as I am concerned. Its like rooting for a sports team just because they are winning. For the record I do support the troops and their families but enough already what exactly is our task in Iraq? If it is rebuilding infrastructure, I am sure the folks in New Orleans wouldn't mind some help. I just don't get it and I am an educated person that follows the news. Anyone want to share a website or some facts that aren't radicals from either side it sure would help.
Hi AKBEAR,
I can understand your confusion. But you have to remember, this was a failure on the Presidential level, the Congressional Level, that our Journalists and news gatherers also, for the most part, failed us, and that through 9/11, Osama bin Ladin virtuously handed our government a carte-blanch card to do anything they wanted.
I could recommend some websites, but, unfortunately I'm Libby Scum, and a member of the Socio Liberal Mob that's based out of Moscow. I may be a radical. I don't feel like a radical, however, but growing up, I felt like I lived in a country where Justice, Tolerance, and even The American Way meant something positive.
Hopefully, someone with a level head can help you out.
Hey Calender, Clinton was no prize either, especially with his flip-flop on dealing with Red China. But, if I may be blunt: He only screwed Monika Lewinsky. Bush screwed us all.
Peace!
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