Meeting the Commander-in-Chief

Sorry about the sparse posting the last week. It was probably one of the busiest weeks of the year this past week - we literally had stuff going on each night. Mon & Tues we had church stuff, Wed I had a dinner with spouses of deployed airmen (which I actually was too sick to go to), Thursday night I had my Christmas party for work in Norwich, Friday we had small group, we helped with the squadron children's Christmas party on Saturday and yesterday we enjoyed a day of rest after church and then had Matt & Jana over for dinner.

A highlight to the week was Philip having a chance to meet and speak with President Bush. On the President's trip back from the Middle East (after the shoe throwing incident), Air Force One refueled at Mildenhall. President Bush took the time to get off of the plane and meet with the troops in Philip's squadron. He thanked Philip for his service and they had a little chat about Colorado, snowboarding and the President's newfound love for mountain biking (as he is not running as much as he used t0 --- apparently this guy is in stellar shape). Pres. Bush really didn't have to get off of the plane, but he did and because he took that time he provided a HUGE morale boost to a number of people serving this country.

Philip explained that after Air Force One left everyone (regardless of political sentiments) commented about how down-to-earth the President was and how impressed they were with him. He struck Philip as the kind of individual that you would want to have over for a BBQ, grill some steaks and throw back a couple of beers with.

The President is at a place in his career in which he can not do anything right enough for anyone anymore. I cannot imagine how difficult that is for him or his family. I think we forget that this political figure is just a PERSON. While I don't always agree with his decisions, he is a man of character and integrity who I respect. I would NOT have wanted his job the last eight years. I'm pretty sure most of the people who criticize him couldn't have handled the difficult situations he has faced with the same grace he has.