This Thanksgiving, lets hearken back to a time when Presidents actually appreciated our men and women in the military for putting their lives on the line to fight for America.
In 2003, American troops in Baghdad got to enjoy a little turkey with their Commander-in-Chief, when President George W. Bush came and served dinner on a surprise visit.
And they were thrilled about it.
Bush flew into Iraq in the dark of night, surprising military members – and much to the dismay of his security team! His own security wasn’t a concern – lifting the spirits of our fighting soldiers was his main concern.
Bush didn’t seek out media attention for his efforts either.
Via Fox News (November 28th, 2003):
Turkey with the commander in chief was a surprise Thanksgiving treat for American troops in Baghdad.
President Bush flew in under the cover of darkness on Thursday to dine with U.S. forces at a Baghdad International Airport mess hall. It was the first trip ever by an American president to Iraq — a mission tense with concern about his safety.
Bush’s surprise trip delighted troops and stunned the nation — including the president’s own parents, who had traveled to Crawford, Texas, expecting to spend the holiday with their son. Media outlets were reporting on Thursday morning that Bush would be at his ranch all day, only to be told the truth after the fact, when he was safely in the air and headed back home.
The president returned to U.S. soil early Friday, as his plane landed at Andrews Air Force base outside Washington shortly after midnight, before continuing on to Texas to complete the dramatic journey.
It was a morale boost like no other, and something they never could have expected or will ever forget.
Watch the troops go wild upon seeing their Commander-in-Chief below …
If the troops reaction to Bush’s arrival doesn’t give you chills, we don’t know what will.
Now sit back and try to imagine military members giving President Obama that kind of warm welcome.
For those of you having trouble visualizing the difference between Obama and Bush, please check out the video below which puts it in stark contrast:
Comment: Who do you think the troops were more thankful for as President – George W. Bush or Barack Obama? Share your thoughts below.
