President Obama, First Lady Show Commitment to Helping our Service Members
On Tuesday night I had the privilege to attend the Commander in Chief's Ball in Washington, which was free to all military personnel, military families and veterans.
At the festivities, President Barack Obama announced that he would have no greater honor than to lead our nation's military as commander in chief. The crowd erupted in resounding applause. The new President also assured us that Michelle Obama's main focus as First Lady would be to serve military families. We cheered again. He reminded us that we would have outstanding leaders as Secretary of Defense and as head of the VA - more cheering.
Next, a satellite feed from Iraq enabled him to chat with members of the Illinois National Guard. They bantered back and forth about the fact that most of them were Cubs fans (as am I) and not White Sox fans, as is our new President.
During the parade, President Obama saluted smartly when every military unit marched by the reviewing stand - no more of that wimpy, pro-forma salute we saw with Bush. I was very impressed.
Our new commander in chief is demonstrating an unequivocal respect for the service members who sacrifice for our country every day. President Obama has certainly shown that he will support every branch of our armed forces. The military should show our President the same respect by working with him to allow all qualified men and women in uniform the freedom to serve, free from discrimination.
All in all, an incredible day!
01-22-09 By Mike Rankin, M.D., Capt, MC, USN (Ret) |
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