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President-elect Obama Visits Troops
(January 1, 2009) |
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| December 25, 2008 -- Marines and sailors at Marine Corps Base
Hawaii were surprised with a special visitor during their holiday dinner at
Anderson Mess Hall Thursday evening.
As the troops enjoyed their turkey and pie, President-elect Barack Obama mingled
with the service members and families, wishing all a happy holiday season and
thanking them for their service. | |
President-elect Barack Obama visits with Marines and sailors
during their holiday meal at the Anderson Mess Hall. |
"I was most impressed that he met with the Marines and sailors
individually," said Lt. Richard House, Chaplain, MCBH. "It was a 'Wow' moment.
He could've been with his family, but he was with Marines and sailors today. I
think that says a lot about him."
To be personally thanked with a smile and handshake for their service meant the
world to the Marines and sailors, House said. |
President elect Barack Obama kneels to chat with
brothers Tate, 5 years-old, and Colin Johansson, 7 years-old, at
Anderson Mess Hall. Obama also greeted the boys' mother, Kristen
Johansson, pictured holding her youngest son, 2 year-old Reed. |
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"I
was ecstatic to meet the newly elected president," said Seaman Recruit Kywame
Summers, storekeeper, Patrol Squadron 47. Seaman Apprentice Jeff Trenton, Aviation
Machinist Mate, VP-47, said the president elect didn't simply make
an appearance but took his time eating and speaking one-on-one with
the troops.
"He asked where I was from and how I was doing," Trenton said. "To
me, it showed he is truly interested in the people who serve our
country."
With a big smile and endless enthusiasm, Obama made his way around
the mess hall to each table, talking and laughing with the Marines
and sailors.
"It was very generous of him to spend the
holiday with service members - to show he cares about the troops and
what we're doing," said Sgt. Ashley Thompson, food service
specialist, Anderson Mess Hall. "It increased my confidence in him
even more. He showed he has the characteristics of a leader, which
is what it's going to take to lead our county." |
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Gunnery Sgt. Henry Pollard, assistant manager, Anderson Mess
Hall, said Obama's visit displayed his deep appreciation and concern for service
members.
"To come here . . . showed a level of selflessness and showed the level of
support we have from him," said Pollard, while enjoying his holiday meal at
Anderson Mess Hall with his family.
After Obama's visit, Pollard said he now feels military members have support not
only from the president elect but also from his family. |
| "His wife is behind him 100 percent,
understanding his role and him coming out here to be with the
troops," Pollard said. Obama is not
'just talk', Pollard said, because he's still putting in the work to
support the people who voted for him.
"He showed the level of commitment he has is
going to continue, so that when he is in office he's not going to
forget about our military service members," Pollard said.
Lieutenant Col. Thomas W. Ward, base inspector,
Base Inspector's Office, HQBN, also enjoyed a greeting from Obama
while eating Christmas dinner with his family at the mess hall.
"His visit was so special," said Delilah Ward, spouse. "He was so
personable, and made the extra effort to ask everyone their name." |
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President elect Barack Obama laughs as he talks
with a Marine at Anderson Mess Hall. |
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Taking the time to greet each service member and family,
displayed what a great leader he is, said Lt. Gen. Keith Stalder, Commanding
General, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.
"He was very gracious and kind to come spend Christmas with us," said Stalder,
speaking of the president-elect. "We are so grateful he would do something like
this - he cares about the American people because he told them so today,"
Stalder said. | |
Article and photos by Marine LCpl. Alesha R. Guard
Marine Corps Base Hawaii
Copyright 2008
Reprinted
from U.S. Marines Website
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