by Mark Silva
President Bush, celebrating Thanksgiving with his family at Camp David, called on several servicemen and women today by telelphone n Iraq, Afghanistan and other overseas deployments.
The president called 12 soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen with wishes of "happy thanks'' to them and their families, according to Press Secretary Dana Perino. Bush told them "how proud he is of them.''
"It’s a great sacrifice to be away from your children, and if it wasn’t a noble cause he would not ask them to do it,” she said. “He knows that it’s tough work but it’s necessary work and he is proud of them.”
The president is spending the holiday with wife Laura and daughters Barbara and Jenna and Jenna's fiancee, Henry Hager, members of his family and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The president is preparing for a Middle East summit in Annapolis on Tuesday.
Bush told the servicemen and women overseas: “When you tell your parents you’ve been talking with the president, half of them will think you’re fibbing, but you can tell them its true.”
From Camp David, the White House says, the president called on:
Sergeant First Class Amy Adams, U.S. Army, deployed to Balad, Iraq as a member of the 216th ESC LSA, Anaconda, is responsible for reporting and tracking all casualties for six brigades. Sergeant Adams has served one prior rotation in Afghanistan and one prior rotation in Iraq.
Staff Sergeant William Cannon, U.S. Army, deployed to Camp Taji, Iraq as a member of the Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion 82nd Field Artillery 1BCT, 1CD, supervises and trains NCOs and Soldiers in the proper emplacement, firing, and displacement of his section’s howitzers. Sergeant Cannon helped build a team that won the Top Howitzer section during a competition at Camp Taji in October.
Sergeant Frank Gervascio, U.S. Army, deployed to Al Asad Air Base, Fallujah, Iraq as a member of the 2nd Battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, is the Battalion’s Aid Station Sergeant in charge of emergency and routine care of over 700 personnel. Sergeant Gervascio has been deployed twice to Afghanistan and twice to Iraq in support of operations there totaling thirty-nine months.
Sergeant Thomas Kelley, U.S. Marine Corps, deployed to Fallujah, Iraq as a member of the 2nd Supply Battalion, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, is the Platoon Sergeant for thirty-four Marines. He is the transportation coordinator for supply gear that includes Marine Corps and Navy MRAP vehicles. He is responsible for ensuring gear is properly staged for tactical movement.
Sergeant Santos Alvarado, U.S. Marine Corps, deployed to Fallujah, Iraq as a member of the 2nd Recon Battalion, Headquarters and Service Company, Supply Section, is responsible for maintaining the gear and equipment of the battalion’s Marines. He is responsible for the proper accountability and management of the Battalion’s budget. Sergeant Alvarado won the Meritorious Sergeant Board.
Petty Officer Second Class Melanie Mosley, U.S. Navy, deployed to Camp Bucca, Iraq as a member of the Navy Provisional Detainee Battalion THREE (NPDB-3), is the Quad Section Leader of a seven Marine guard force responsible for maintaining position control of detainees.
Operations Specialist Seaman (OSSN) Surface Warfare (SW) William Jamieson II, U.S. Navy, deployed to Arabian Gulf/North Arabian Sea on the USS Vicksburg (CG 69), is responsible for timely and accurate identification of aircraft flying within organic sensor ranges of the USS Vicksburg and coalition warships. He was awarded the Surface Warfare qualification as a Seaman early in his career.
Technical Sergeant Cimarron Reeves, U.S. Air Force, deployed to Samarra, Iraq as a member of the 732nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, Weapons Intelligence Team One, is an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team Leader for Weapons Intelligence Team. He performs post-blast analysis and prosecutes weapons caches. His position is vital to the counter Improvised Explosive Device (IED) effort.
Staff Sergeant Neil Lockart, U.S. Air Force, deployed to Balad Air Base, Iraq as a member of the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces, is the leader of a team that protects USAF aircraft, personnel, and equipment. He was selected as Tuskegee Airman of the Week (week of October 29, 2007) and was recently recognized by General Petraeus for exemplary service.
OS2 Distin Bingham, U.S. Coast Guard, deployed to the Eastern Pacific on the USCGC Morgenthau (WHEC 722), is a senior member of the Morgenthau’s CIC watch team and is currently filling the position of CIC watch supervisor. He is instrumental in the development of junior OS personnel and in the teaching and training fellow shipmates in Law Enforcement skills. OS2 Bingham has prosecuted eight successful cases against narcotics traffickers.
Food Service Specialist Second Class (FS2) Michael Smith, U.S. Coast Guard, deployed to the Arabian Gulf as a member of the Patrol Forces Southwest Asia (PATFORSWA), serves in an Operations Officer capacity by drafting classified message traffic coordinating ship movements and fueling of the PATFORSWA Cutters and Navy Patrol Craft Fleet. FS2 Smith also coordinates the purchases of critical supplies and equipment.
Airman First Class Chris Steven Ericksen, U.S. Air Force, deployed to Bagram Air Force Base, Afghanistan, issues fuel to Close Air Support, Aero medical, cargo, and transient aircraft in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and International Security Assistance Forces in Afghanistan. He has personally issued over 500,000 gallons of fuel during 2200+ missions.
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Comments
Very nice gesture by Bush.
And, then today, even the Chicago Tribune had a somewhat positive article on the front page about the improvements in Iraq and how the Sunni leaders are working with the Americans. In fact, didn't the one leader call us heroes, saviors and protectors?
Man, that must really gall the Lefty Loons!
And Al Qaeda in Iraq, killing Iraqis! That must gall the Lefty Loons too!
Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving to all! Even to the Loons on the Left. This day and time of year, though, must really gall you Secular Lefty Loons. With the constant mention and reminder of CHRISTmas, all the thanks to God, prayers, etc. Anyway, enjoy!!!
Posted by: John D | November 22, 2007 1:20 PM
In fact, didn't the one leader call us heroes, saviors and protectors?
Man, that must really gall the Lefty Loons!
And Al Qaeda in Iraq, killing Iraqis! That must gall the Lefty Loons too!
Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving to all! Even to the Loons on the Left.
Posted by: John D | November 22, 2007 1:20 PM
I hope you choke on your dinner you spineless turd!
Posted by: Little G-DUB | November 22, 2007 3:26 PM
"Hi, that there Private Jones? Guess who all this here is?"
Chomp, chomp, as Bush slurps up more turkey with giblet gravy.
"Uh, I dunno."
Sounds of explosions, screams in the background.
"Well, this here's your Commander-'n'-Chief!"
Aside, "Hey, waiter, ya wanna get me and the little woman here some more a them sweet taters? Dang good, them there things."
"Holy cow! Ya mean the President?"
More sounds of explosions and screams in the background.
"I knew you all ud sure 'nough be surprised. Can't hear you all too good with all that dang noise. Can ya have the boyz turn the t.v. down some? Or they all playin' some a them computer games?"
Chomp, chomp, chomp as Bush scoops up the sweet potatoes and stuffs them in his mouth.
"That ain't the boyz, Sir."
"Well, Private, ya don't hafta go makin' no excuses for them boyz. They havin' a pretty good time it sounds like."
Aside, "Waiter, how about a li'l' more a that giblet gravy?"
"Yes, Sir"
"So, how's things goin' over there in Baghdad? I gotta say it's mighty cozy here at Camp David, ya know with the fireplace 'n' turkey 'n' pie 'n' all. Nice couch too here ta put ma feet up after. Ol' Dick's got some mighty fine brandy he wants me ta try later."
A large explosion, the phone goes dead.
"Ya all still there, Private?"
No sound, the line is dead.
"Say, waiter, ya wanna take this here phone away. I guess they jus havin' too good a time."
Posted by: John Chuckman, Toronto, Canada | November 22, 2007 3:55 PM
I wonder if Dubya's going to pose for another photo-op with a plastic turkey like he did a few years ago?
Posted by: BC | November 22, 2007 4:33 PM
Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving to all! Even to the Loons on the Left. This day and time of year, though, must really gall you Secular Lefty Loons. With the constant mention and reminder of CHRISTmas, all the thanks to God, prayers, etc. Anyway, enjoy!!!
Posted by: John D | November 22, 2007 1:20 PM
To the dumbass wingnut (see above) who STILL doesn't get it:
http://s76.photobucket.com/albums/j2/danakf1/?action=view¤t=Mission-Accomplished.gif
Mission accomplished? I don't think so, not even close.
Do us all a favor Johnny D, find yourself a girlfriend so you can finally have something better to do with your life than to spend it posting insane Neocon ramblings.
Posted by: Big Orange Satan | November 22, 2007 4:36 PM
Anyway, Happy Thanksgiving to all! Even to the Loons on the Left. This day and time of year, though, must really gall you Secular Lefty Loons. With the constant mention and reminder of CHRISTmas, all the thanks to God, prayers, etc. Anyway, enjoy!!!
Posted by: John D | November 22, 2007 1:20 PM
To the absolutly dumdest person who posts on the Swamp, Johnny D'hasnogirlfriend,
The so called "surge" was meant to give time to the Iraqi govt to reconcile, they have failed to do so and they've told us to leave...twice.
So, we are left occupying a country that doesn't want us there and we're proping up a govt that can't leave the "green zone" for fear of being killed by the freedom loving Iraqi citizens....meanwhile, back at the Crawford ranch, Afganistan has become a cluster*#@! again, Turkey is poised to invade the Kurdish north of Iraq, Pakistan (a Nuke country) is being ruled by an American backed dictator wannabe and is on the verge of collapse....and Dick Cheney and the gang of Neocon fools at the White House continue to intimdate and threaton Iran.....GREAT F-ING JOB, GEORGE W BUSH and Happy Thanksgiving to the Neocons, who in reality should be on patrol over in Iraq and not spouting hatred here on the Swamp toda..
Posted by: Sean Insanity | November 22, 2007 4:55 PM
President Bush and his wife, Laura, truly are class people. That is an undeniable fact regardless of politics. It really is refreshing to have a president and first lady who uphold the dignity of the office.
Posted by: Sean | November 22, 2007 7:09 PM
Will George Bush go to sleep tonight wondering if making a couple bucks for his corporate friends was worth ruining countless peoples thanksgiving? I wonder if he thinks of the all the people in Iraq who will have no electricity tonight? Does he ponder the kids who will never know their fathers or mothers because they gave their life for a lie? Did he visit a VA hospital today? George you lied to the American people and you tarnished the good name of the United States of America.
Somehow a press release about making a couple of phone calls just doesn't cut it.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Posted by: An Inconvenient Truth | November 22, 2007 8:10 PM
Ahhhhhhh!
Seems like JohnD. stirred up the lefties that are invested in defeat.
The street lamps are on again in Baghdad and shops and street markets are open late into the night.
U.S. and Iraqis forces have savaged and discredited al-Qaidi.
I.E.D. attacks are down 50% since the surge started.
There hasn't been a successful suicide car bomb in 5 weeks...before the surge...4 a day.
Geeeez....maybe that's why the democRATS don't talk much about Iraq anymore?
All you lock-step lefty fools must be proud that once again...your wrong! Try reading something else besides moveon and dailykos...there's still time to join the winning team!
Paulo
Posted by: Paulo | November 22, 2007 8:20 PM
Violence is down in Iraq because we have 160,000 troops over there, but it doesn't make a damn bit of difference because the Iraqi's refuse to reconcile and our troops have been overextended because Republican President Butthead has broken our military.
Starting Jan 09 troops will begin coming home because they will have to, not because the mission has been accomplished.
The violence will return and we'll be right back where we started from.
I would say that I'm surprised that some of the Republic Party weenies on here (Paula, John D.epends) are dancing in the end zone and acting like there's been some sort of major victory in Iraq but I'm not because those two twits are so dumb that they still believe that Iraq had WMD's.
IMPEACH!
http://s38.photobucket.com/albums/e133/Devoir26/?action=view¤t=y1696_450.jpg
Posted by: Gunny Sarge | November 22, 2007 11:31 PM
"The street lamps are on again in Baghdad and shops and street markets are open late into the night."
Posted by: Paulo | November 22, 2007 8:20 PM
Bad intel again punk. No one is joining your team of dead-enders. Go shopping late night in Baghdad. That's right you wouldn't have air support.
Delusion runs rampant in Paula's world. No American is invested in defeat. You right wing nut-balls thought that lie up as part of your juvinile, & simplistic propaganda campaign. Keep drinking that right wing brainwashing fluid, otherwise known as Kool-Aid. In your case Kook-Aid.
Posted by: Lt Dan | November 22, 2007 11:35 PM
Paulo, Johnny D and Republican Prez Fightsuit at Thanksgiving photo-op:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kb-monkeywrench/2035508136/
Posted by: John E | November 23, 2007 12:09 AM
The street lamps are on again in Baghdad and shops and street markets are open late into the night.
U.S. and Iraqis forces have savaged and discredited al-Qaidi.
Posted by: Paulo | November 22, 2007 8:20 PM
I love how republicans like Paulo just make stuff up. What a lemming.
To be a resident of Baghdad these days means you are receiving about one hour of electrical power per twenty-four-hour period from the national grid. You supplement that meager ration by purchasing power from a neighborhood generator. If you are a USIP staff member, you have a small nine-amp generator that permits you to run one appliance. Between these three sources, you can cobble together approximately seven hours of power per day. However, since you never know exactly when the national grid power will flow, you have to be prepared to get up several times during the night to alternate your power source so you don't waste power by overlapping. Many people keep a light bulb permanently switched on to inform them when power is flowing from the national grid.
In times past, Iraqis sought relief from the swelter of their apartments by sleeping outside on roofs and terraces; however, the escalating violence and gunfire have forced them to abandon this practice.
Between trying to avoid ending up casualties of the violence and struggling to keep the stove, refrigerator, and other essential appliances functioning, it's no wonder Baghdad residents look exhausted so much of the time.
http://www.usip.org/in_the_field/iraq/052707.html
There are only particular neighborhoods I can go to, and not those that are far away; I don't go for hours over long distances, or ride more than one public-transport car. I can go to some nearby neighborhoods, and even then, only to particular neighborhoods, despite their being nearby.
Expulsions took place in my neighborhood during a specific period prior to the U.S. forces coming, and prior to the "imposition of law" plan. Almost all the homes now are Shi'ite, with the exception of some Sunni homes that are here, of course, with the permission of the people here.
There have been no expulsions since the law, and since the Americans arrived. Such actions have stopped. I think that the neighborhood has been "purified" -- there are no Sunnis left.
Those who can get to work are continuing to work. Those who can bring their work to their own neighborhoods have done so. Those who cannot remain at home, and the majority are sitting at home.
School hours are not regular. The children have also been affected by the events in the neighborhood, so that they are terrified by the sounds of gunfire, the police cars, and by U.S. forces. On such days, they may not go to school. So their attendance is irregular; they might attend or they might not. It's all tied to the security situation, of course.
People have practically forgotten there is such a thing as electricity; it's unavailable except for an hour or two per day, and even then it is sporadic. But recently, electricity has somewhat stabilized, so people are relieved: they no longer set aside money for fuel and generators.
The subject of water is important, because water is scarce. If you try to use a pump, you might get contaminated water. People have also become preoccupied with water: they may buy bottled water, or they may boil their water.
As an Iraqi, I have stayed in my country so far. I hope -- and optimism is inevitable -- for something simple: an improvement or a change in the situation, an increase in forces, more movement of forces deployed in the streets.
We hope not only for the American forces; why not Iraqi forces? We don't see Iraqi forces deployed in all the streets; even when they're present, it's only at the checkpoints where they only wave to stop you or to let you move on; nothing more, nothing less. The areas around the checkpoints are crowded, but there are areas where there are neither Iraqi nor U.S. forces. One cannot go there, even now.
http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2007/09/7174069f-8630-43ea-8400-872bc191b181.html
On the question of whether the security situation has improved since the U.S. surge began -- no, on the contrary, it gets worse day by day. We haven't felt any change... The U.S. forces protect themselves in their bases and go on patrols. They actually increase tensions rather than the opposite. We have not observed anything positive.
Posted by: Logic Prisoner | November 23, 2007 2:28 AM
Sean Insanity, we have not been asked to leave Iraq. Who has asked us to leave?
Little G-Dub, thanks for the kind words. And, no, no choking by me. Loved every morsel of food I ate today.
But it was nice to see that all the good news is galling the f-ing (hey Mark, if they can use it, why can't I?) losers on the Loony Left.
Anyway, THANKS to the troops. THANKS to Bush and Cheney. THANKS to God. THANKS to the right wingers who make this country succeed. THANKS to Christ for saving us! And now it's Merry CHRISTmas time!!
Posted by: John D | November 23, 2007 2:32 AM
Ahhhhhhh!
Seems like JohnD. stirred up the lefties that are invested in defeat.
The street lamps are on again in Baghdad and shops and street markets are open late into the night.
U.S. and Iraqis forces have savaged and discredited al-Qaidi.
I.E.D. attacks are down 50% since the surge started.
There hasn't been a successful suicide car bomb in 5 weeks...before the surge...4 a day.
Geeeez....maybe that's why the democRATS don't talk much about Iraq anymore?
Posted by: Paulo | November 22, 2007 8:20 PM
Bomb Strikes Baghdad, Killing 13
By BUSHRA JUHI | Associated Press Writer
4:58 AM CST, November 23, 2007
BAGHDAD - A bomb exploded in a pet market in central Baghdad on Friday, killing at least 13 people and wounding dozens, Iraqi police said.
The blast occurred just before 9 a.m. at the al-Ghazl market, shattering the festive atmosphere as people strolled past the animal stalls.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-iraq-violence,1,3374996.story
Paulo this is a war. Wars involve people. This is not a game or a team sport. American soldiers and Iraqi citizens are fighting and losing their lives for the Bush/Cheney fiasco. I suggest you take this into consideration when leaving such juvenile divisive comments. That goes for another idiot who's initials are JD.
Posted by: Proud American | November 23, 2007 6:31 AM
Mr. So-Called Proud American: The juvenile divisiveness comes from the Left, not the right. Anyway, as far as people are concerned and those in the war-like situation, a friend of mine who is in the Texas National Guard and fought during Desert Storm will be heading there in the Spring, and my nephew very well could be heading there by spring too (unlike John E who makes things up). So, I am well aware of the dangers and horrors of war. Both, though, fully believe in the mission and the work that needs to be done.
Posted by: John D | November 23, 2007 12:22 PM
friend of mine who is in the Texas National Guard and fought during Desert Storm will be heading there in the Spring, and my nephew very well could be heading there by spring too (unlike John E who makes things up). So, I am well aware of the dangers and horrors of war. Both, though, fully believe in the mission and the work that needs to be done.
Posted by: John D | November 23, 2007 12:22 PM
Girlfriendless Johnny D,
Why is that all of you tough guy wannabe Republicans always know someone who is in the military and believes in the mission (whatever the f#*^! that is) but yet you or any of your chickenhawk Republic Party buddies have never served and never have or never would strap on an M-16 and actually go fight in this great war (Iraq) to end all wars that you so heartedly support?
Hey Johnny D, weren't you a college Republican at one time? they just made a nice video about your guys and their "support" for this war in Iraq, enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3inspkrGVbw
America has a message for Neocon chickenhawks like you, Lil Johnny D:
http://www.amishrakefight.org/gfy/
Quit screwing up our country, you losers.
Posted by: The Reamer | November 23, 2007 2:48 PM
[quote]
we have not been asked to leave Iraq. Who has asked us to leave?
Posted by: John D | November 23, 2007 2:32 AM
[/quote]
Try more than 1 in 4 US troops serving in Iraq wanted us out immediately back in February 2006, and 72% of the US troops wanted us out by February 2007.
source: http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1075
"The Bishops of the United Methodist Church approved a resolution calling on Bush, Congress and leaders of the other coalition partners to begin the "immediate safe and full withdrawal” of all troops,"
[...]
The 125 current and retired bishops now meeting in the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina represent more than 11 million Methodists worldwide – including the current occupant of the White House, a member of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas."
source: http://www.swamppolitics.com/news/politics/blog/2007/11/bushs_bishops_get_out_of_iraq.html
Posted by: BC | November 23, 2007 3:42 PM
Oh Reamer, er John E.: Weren't YOU suppose to be in IRaq.
As far as us Republican "chickenhawks," hmmmm Duncan Hunter has two sons over there. Don and Roma Wade's sone, Hunter, has been to Iraq. The president of the College Republicans at the University of New Hampshire died in Iraq.
Furthermore, as has pointed out over and over, most of the military members are Republicans, come from Republican families and come from Red states. And, oh, many are Christian too.
Posted by: John D | November 23, 2007 4:05 PM
IRAQ WAR FAUCETS
On the pretense of a nuclear threat, President Bush illegally turned on two faucets - full force: out of one flows the American People’s precious wealth, and out of the other faucet flows their priceless blood.
This is a black mark on his name that can never be erased – to damn him forever in history.
Posted by: Jeugenen | November 23, 2007 8:39 PM