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White House Military Ceremony 12/14/92 [OA 8485]
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1
WHITE HOUSE MILITARY CEREMONY 1 ANACUSTIA, VA
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992 \ 12:45 A.M.
THANK YOU, TIM (MCBRIDE), FOR THAT KIND
INTRODUCTION. JOHN GAUGHAN. MEMBERS OF THE
WHITE HOUSE MILITARY OFFICE, IT IS TRULY A
PLEASURE TO BE HERE WITH YOU. THIS IS ONE OF
THOSE RARE OPPORTUNITIES I HAVE TO ACTUALLY
SEE YOU, FACE TO FACE.
- 2 -
You ALL MAY WELL BE THE WHITE HOUSE'S BEST
KEPT SECRET -- RARELY SEEN IN PHOTOGRAPHS,
SELDOM DETECTED ON FILM, AND SIGHTED ONLY IN
THE FOLDS OF BLUE PIPE AND DRAPE. AND
BECAUSE OF YOUR MASTERY OF "LOW PROFILE", YOU
SELDOM RECEIVE THE "THANK YOU" YOU DESERVE.
So, I AM TRULY PLEASED TO HAVE THIS
OPPORTUNITY TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNWAVERING
SERVICE THROUGHOUT THE PAST FOUR YEARS.
- J -
THE GRATITUDE I EXPRESS TODAY IS NOT JUST
MINE, BUT MRS. BUSH'S AND THE VICE
PRESIDENT'S, AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF THE
CABINET AND THE ENTIRE ADMINISTRATION.
WITHOUT YOU, OUR LIVES WOULD HAVE BEEN
CONSIDERABLY MORE DIFFICULT
AND
PERHAPS, WORLD EVENTS WOULD NOT HAVE
TRANSPIRED AS QUICKLY. EACH OF YOU, NO
MATTER WHAT YOUR ROLE, HAS A LOT To BE PROUD
OF.
- 4 -
AND I HOPE YOU ARE AS PROUD OF YOURSELVES AS
YOUR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IS OF YOU.
WHMO (PRONOUNCED WHAMO) IS AN INTEGRAL
PART OF THE PRESIDENCY. THERE IS NOT A PLACE
OR A MOMENT IN TIME WHEN THE PRESIDENT'S
ACTION ARE NOT AFFECTED BY YOUR EFFORTS. AND
GIVEN ALL THE TIME AND EFFORT INVESTED, YOUR
QUALITY NEVER WAIVERS. No ONE, NOT EVEN MR.
MCBRIDE OR MR. GAUGHAN, IS MORE AWARE OF THIS
THAN I.
- 5 -
I KNOW, BECAUSE I'VE TESTED YOU FROM TIME TO
TIME.
THE HMX PILOTS KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING
ABOUT. OCCASIONALLY I'VE TRIED TO BEAT THEM
TO MARINE ONE. ONCE -- ONE TIME OUT OF 328
LIFTS -- DID I MANAGE THAT FEAT. NEEDLESS To
SAY, I BELIEVE AN EXPRESS LINE HAS BEEN
ESTABLISHED IN THE CHOW HALL AT CAMP DAVID
SOLELY FOR PILOTS AND CREW CHIEFS.
- 6 -
ONE OF MY FAVORITE TESTS INVOLVES
SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SYSTEMS. I
COULDN'T HELP BUT NOTICE -- AS I SAID THAT
SEVERAL TRIP OFFICERS SHIVERED. WHO AMONG US
CAN FORGET THE Moscow SUMMIT, WHEN WE WERE
CONVINCED THE SYSTEM WAS OUT FOR GOOD? AND
WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT GINGERLY PLAYING
WITH THE SWITCH WOULD TURN IT OFF? HONEST,
ALL I WAS TRYING TO DO WAS TO KILL A LITTLE
TIME WHILE WAITING, NOT KILL THE POWER.
- 7 -
BUT FORGET THE ELECTRONICS OR EVEN THE
UNCERTAINTY OF A FOREIGN SITE, JUST STROLLING
TO THE WRONG LECTERN AT CAMP DAVID IS ENOUGH
TO RATTLE EVEN THE MOST STEADY OF T.O.'s.
AND I'VE CHALLENGED OTHER WHCA
(PRONOUNCED WA-CA) TYPES AS WELL. ALTHOUGH
ONE SHOULD KNOW BETTER THAN TO TRY AND OUTRUN
A VEHICLE NAMED "ROADRUNNER."
- 8 -
I MUST ADMIT I THOUGHT I HAD YOU LAST AUGUST
WHEN AF1 MADE AN UNANNOUNCED RIGHT TURN OUT
OF NEW JERSEY IN ORDER TO VIEW HURRICANE
DAMAGE IN FLORIDA. Low AND BEHOLD, IF WE
WEREN'T MET ON THE GROUND BY SEVERAL WHCA
MEMBERS AND THEIR TRUSTY VEHICLE. TRULY AN
IMPRESSIVE FEAT.
- 9 -
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR
WITH ROADRUNNER, IT IS A MOBILE
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER, WITH RADIO, TELEPHONE,
AND FAX CAPACITY. WHY THE ONLY MOTORCADE
VEHICLE THAT COMES CLOSE IN COMPARISON IS
NO, NOT THE WHCA CAR
THE LIMO WITH
ITS NEW CELLULAR TELEPHONE SYSTEM.
ROADRUNNER. THAT BRINGS ME TO ANOTHER
ISSUE. CALL SIGNS. ROADRUNNER. ANGEL.
STAGECOACH. THESE I UNDERSTAND.
- 10 -
TRANQUILITY FOR MRS. BUSH, I'VE ALWAYS
THOUGHT WAS QUITE APPROPRIATE. AND
TIMBERWOLF, I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH THAT. BUT
HOW ABOUT THAT TIME IN BRANSON, MISSOURI WHEN
YOU DRESSED ME TO MATCH. SOMEONE WAS
THINKING WHEN THEY GAVE ME THAT T-SHIRT WITH
THE WOLF ON IT.
THAT TOO DEMONSTRATES A COUPLE OF THIS
TROOP'S STRONGEST TRAITS -- CREATIVITY AND A
CALM SENSE OF HUMOR.
- 11 -
THE SATELLITE ANTENNAS ON A TRAIN TRIP
THROUGH WISCONSIN WERE A NICE TOUCH. BOTH MY
GRANDDAUGHTER, ELLIE, AND I WERE IMPRESSED BY
THE INGENUITY THAT TRANSFORMED THESE
FUNCTIONAL-LOOKING ANTENNAS INTO HALLOWEEN
PUMPKINS AND GHOSTS.
BUT THAT SAME CREATIVITY AND SENSE OF
HUMOR ISN'T RESTRICTED TO ACTIONS, IT IS
OCCASIONALLY APPLIED TO VERBAL EXPLANATIONS.
- 12 -
FOR INSTANCE, DURING A SOUTH LAWN MOTORCADE
DEPARTURE, I UNDERSTAND A CARPET CAR WAS --
QUOTE -- "HIT BY A TREE". I'M NOT CERTAIN
WHICH IS MORE IMPRESSIVE -- THE EXPLANATION,
OR THE IDEA OF USING A TREE AS A SUBSTITUTE
BRAKE. I'M PLEASED TO REPORT ONLY MINOR
CASUALTIES RESULTED FROM THAT INCIDENT. AND
TODAY, BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE TREE HAVE
COMPLETELY RECOVERED.
- 13 -
JUST AS THAT ANECDOTE HAS A HAPPY ENDING,
so TOO DOES 1992. THIS DECEMBER IS A LITTLE
QUIETER THAN THOSE OF RECENT HISTORY. No
SUMMITS TO PREPARE FOR, NO UPCOMING TRIPS TO
ADVANCE, FOR THE MOST PART ALL US WILL BE
ABLE TO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS WITH OUR FAMILIES.
To YOUR SPOUSES AND CHILDREN, I WANT TO
EXPRESS A VERY HEARTFELT THANK YOU. I KNOW
THE SEPARATION HASN'T BEEN EASY, ESPECIALLY
DURING THE RECENT CAMPAIGN.
= 14 -
UNFORTUNATELY MILITARY FAMILIES ARE THE FIRST
TO FEEL THE BURDEN WHEN MOMS AND DADS ARE
CALLED AWAY FROM HOME. MISSED BIRTHDAYS,
ANNIVERSARIES, AND HOLIDAYS ARE PAINFUL
REMINDERS OF THE SACRIFICES YOUR FAMILIES ARE
CALLED UPON TO MAKE. I WANT EVERYONE --
MILITARY AND CIVILIAN ALIKE -- TO KNOW I
TRULY APPRECIATED IT.
EACH MAN AND WOMAN GATHERED IN THIS ROOM
HAS BEEN A PART OF HISTORY.
- 15 -
YOU'VE SERVED A NATION AT WAR AND AT PEACE, A
NATION SHAKEN BY INNER TURMOIL, AND A NATION
RESPECTED BY THE WORLD. AND YOU'VE HELPED
THE VOICE OF FREEDOM AND LIBERTY RESONATE
THROUGH PARLIAMENT HALLS, PALACES, AND CITY
SQUARES AROUND THE GLOBE. IT'S BEEN AN HONOR
TO SERVE AS YOUR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
- 16 -
FROM THE YOUNGEST ENLISTED MAN TO THE HIGHEST
RANKING OFFICER -- YOU'VE ALL MADE ME
EXTREMELY PROUD. THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS
YOU.
# # #
WHITE HOUSE MILITARY CEREMONY \ ANACOSTIA, VA
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992 \ 12:45 A.M.
THANK YOU, TIM (MCBRIDE), FOR THAT KIND
INTRODUCTION. JOHN GAUGHAN. MEMBERS OF THE
WHITE HOUSE MILITARY OFFICE, IT IS TRULY A
PLEASURE To BE HERE WITH YOU. THIS IS ONE OF
THOSE RARE OPPORTUNITIES I HAVE TO ACTUALLY
SEE YOU, FACE TO FACE.
- 2 -
You ALL MAY WELL BE THE WHITE HOUSE'S BEST
KEPT SECRET -- RARELY SEEN IN PHOTOGRAPHS,
SELDOM DETECTED ON FILM, AND SIGHTED ONLY IN
THE FOLDS OF BLUE PIPE AND DRAPE. AND
BECAUSE OF YOUR MASTERY OF "LOW PROFILE", YOU
SELDOM RECEIVE THE "THANK YOU" YOU DESERVE.
So, I AM TRULY PLEASED TO HAVE THIS
OPPORTUNITY TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNWAVERING
SERVICE THROUGHOUT THE PAST FOUR YEARS.
- 5 -
THE GRATITUDE I EXPRESS TODAY IS NOT JUST
MINE, BUT MRS. BUSH'S AND THE VICE
PRESIDENT'S, AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF THE
CABINET AND THE ENTIRE ADMINISTRATION.
WITHOUT YOU, OUR LIVES WOULD HAVE BEEN
CONSIDERABLY MORE DIFFICULT
AND
PERHAPS, WORLD EVENTS WOULD NOT HAVE
TRANSPIRED AS QUICKLY. EACH OF YOU, NO
MATTER WHAT YOUR ROLE, HAS A LOT TO BE PROUD
OF.
- 4 -
AND I HOPE YOU ARE AS PROUD OF YOURSELVES AS
YOUR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IS OF YOU.
WHMO (PRONOUNCED WHAMO) IS AN INTEGRAL
PART OF THE PRESIDENCY. THERE IS NOT A PLACE
OR A MOMENT IN TIME WHEN THE PRESIDENT'S
ACTION ARE NOT AFFECTED BY YOUR EFFORTS. AND
GIVEN ALL THE TIME AND EFFORT INVESTED, YOUR
QUALITY NEVER WAIVERS. No ONE, NOT EVEN MR.
MCBRIDE OR MR. GAUGHAN, IS MORE AWARE OF THIS
THAN I.
- 5 -
I KNOW, BECAUSE I'VE TESTED YOU FROM TIME TO
TIME.
THE HMX PILOTS KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING
ABOUT. OCCASIONALLY I'VE TRIED TO BEAT THEM
TO MARINE ONE. ONCE -- ONE TIME OUT OF 328
LIFTS -- DID I MANAGE THAT FEAT. NEEDLESS TO
SAY, I BELIEVE AN EXPRESS LINE HAS BEEN
ESTABLISHED IN THE CHOW HALL AT CAMP DAVID
SOLELY FOR PILOTS AND CREW CHIEFS.
- 6 -
ONE OF MY FAVORITE TESTS INVOLVES
SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SYSTEMS. I
COULDN'T HELP BUT NOTICE -- AS I SAID THAT
SEVERAL TRIP OFFICERS SHIVERED. WHO AMONG US
CAN FORGET THE Moscow SUMMIT, WHEN WE WERE
CONVINCED THE SYSTEM WAS OUT FOR GOOD? AND
WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT GINGERLY PLAYING
WITH THE SWITCH WOULD TURN IT OFF? HONEST,
ALL I WAS TRYING TO DO WAS TO KILL A LITTLE
TIME WHILE WAITING, NOT KILL THE POWER.
- 7 -
BUT FORGET THE ELECTRONICS OR EVEN THE
UNCERTAINTY OF A FOREIGN SITE, JUST STROLLING
TO THE WRONG LECTERN AT CAMP DAVID IS ENOUGH
TO RATTLE EVEN THE MOST STEADY OF T.O.'s.
AND I'VE CHALLENGED OTHER WHCA
(PRONOUNCED WA-CA) TYPES AS WELL. ALTHOUGH
ONE SHOULD KNOW BETTER THAN TO TRY AND OUTRUN
A VEHICLE NAMED "ROADRUNNER."
- 8 -
I MUST ADMIT I THOUGHT I HAD YOU LAST AUGUST
WHEN AF1 MADE AN UNANNOUNCED RIGHT TURN OUT
OF NEW JERSEY IN ORDER TO VIEW HURRICANE
DAMAGE IN FLORIDA. Low AND BEHOLD, IF WE
WEREN'T MET ON THE GROUND BY SEVERAL WHCA
MEMBERS AND THEIR TRUSTY VEHICLE. TRULY AN
IMPRESSIVE FEAT.
- 9 -
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE NOT FAMILIAR
WITH ROADRUNNER, IT IS A MOBILE
COMMUNICATIONS CENTER, WITH RADIO, TELEPHONE,
AND FAX CAPACITY. WHY THE ONLY MOTORCADE
VEHICLE THAT COMES CLOSE IN COMPARISON IS
NO, NOT THE WHCA CAR
THE LIMO WITH
ITS NEW CELLULAR TELEPHONE SYSTEM.
ROADRUNNER. THAT BRINGS ME TO ANOTHER
ISSUE. CALL SIGNS. ROADRUNNER. ANGEL.
STAGECOACH. THESE I UNDERSTAND.
- 10 -
TRANQUILITY FOR MRS. BUSH, I'VE ALWAYS
THOUGHT WAS QUITE APPROPRIATE. AND
TIMBERWOLF, I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH THAT. BUT
HOW ABOUT THAT TIME IN BRANSON, MISSOURI WHEN
YOU DRESSED ME TO MATCH. SOMEONE WAS
THINKING WHEN THEY GAVE ME THAT T-SHIRT WITH
THE WOLF ON IT.
THAT TOO DEMONSTRATES A COUPLE OF THIS
TROOP'S STRONGEST TRAITS -- CREATIVITY AND A
CALM SENSE OF HUMOR.
- 11 -
THE SATELLITE ANTENNAS ON A TRAIN TRIP
THROUGH WISCONSIN WERE A NICE TOUCH. BOTH MY
GRANDDAUGHTER, ELLIE, AND I WERE IMPRESSED BY
THE INGENUITY THAT TRANSFORMED THESE
FUNCTIONAL-LOOKING ANTENNAS INTO HALLOWEEN
PUMPKINS AND GHOSTS.
BUT THAT SAME CREATIVITY AND SENSE OF
HUMOR ISN'T RESTRICTED TO ACTIONS, IT IS
OCCASIONALLY APPLIED TO VERBAL EXPLANATIONS.
- 12 -
FOR INSTANCE, DURING A SOUTH LAWN MOTORCADE
DEPARTURE, I UNDERSTAND A CARPET CAR WAS --
QUOTE -- "HIT BY A TREE". I'M NOT CERTAIN
WHICH IS MORE IMPRESSIVE -- THE EXPLANATION,
OR THE IDEA OF USING A TREE AS A SUBSTITUTE
BRAKE. I'M PLEASED To REPORT ONLY MINOR
CASUALTIES RESULTED FROM THAT INCIDENT. AND
TODAY, BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE TREE HAVE
COMPLETELY RECOVERED.
- 13 -
JUST AS THAT ANECDOTE HAS A HAPPY ENDING,
so TOO DOES 1992. THIS DECEMBER IS A LITTLE
QUIETER THAN THOSE OF RECENT HISTORY. No
SUMMITS To PREPARE FOR, NO UPCOMING TRIPS TO
ADVANCE, FOR THE MOST PART ALL US WILL BE
ABLE TO SPEND THE HOLIDAYS WITH OUR FAMILIES.
To YOUR SPOUSES AND CHILDREN, I WANT TO
EXPRESS A VERY HEARTFELT THANK YOU. I KNOW
THE SEPARATION HASN'T BEEN EASY, ESPECIALLY
DURING THE RECENT CAMPAIGN.
= 14 -
UNFORTUNATELY MILITARY FAMILIES ARE THE FIRST
TO FEEL THE BURDEN WHEN MOMS AND DADS ARE
CALLED AWAY FROM HOME. MISSED BIRTHDAYS,
ANNIVERSARIES, AND HOLIDAYS ARE PAINFUL
REMINDERS OF THE SACRIFICES YOUR FAMILIES ARE
CALLED UPON TO MAKE. I WANT EVERYONE --
MILITARY AND CIVILIAN ALIKE -- TO KNOW I
TRULY APPRECIATED IT.
EACH MAN AND WOMAN GATHERED IN THIS ROOM
HAS BEEN A PART OF HISTORY.
- 15 -
YOU'VE SERVED A NATION AT WAR AND AT PEACE, A
NATION SHAKEN BY INNER TURMOIL, AND A NATION
RESPECTED BY THE WORLD. AND YOU'VE HELPED
THE VOICE OF FREEDOM AND LIBERTY RESONATE
THROUGH PARLIAMENT HALLS, PALACES, AND CITY
SQUARES AROUND THE GLOBE. IT'S BEEN AN HONOR
TO SERVE AS YOUR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
- 16 -
FROM THE YOUNGEST ENLISTED MAN TO THE HIGHEST
RANKING OFFICER -- YOU'VE ALL MADE ME
EXTREMELY PROUD. THANK YOU AND MAY GOD BLESS
YOU.
# # #
Document No. 36 7050ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 12/11/92
A.S.A.P.
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PROPOSED PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: WHITE HOUSE MILITARY CEREMONY
ANACOSTIA, VA
SUBJECT:
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCBRIDE
BAKER
MOORE
SCOWCROFT
MULLINS
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BATES
PORTER
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
TUTWILER
CALIO
ZOELLICK
DEMAREST
GAUGHAN
FITZWATER
MCGROARTY
GRAY
HOLIDAY
HORNER
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments on the attached directly to
Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
A.S.A.P. Thank you.
RESPONSE: The National Security Council staff has reviewed the proposed
Presidential remarks and consurs with recommended changes. December 11, 1992
PHILLIP D. BRADY
fn
Brent Scowcroft
Assistant to the President
recutive Tecretary
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Martin/Aarhus
Dec. 10, 1992
DRAFT ONE
MIL
PROPOSED PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
WHITE HOUSE MILITARY CEREMONY
ANACOSTIA, VA
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992
Thank you, Tim (McBride), for that kind introduction. John
Gaughan. Members of the White House Military Office, it is truly
a pleasure to be here with you. This is one of those rare
opportunities I have to actually see you, face to face. You all
may well be the White House's best kept secret -- rarely seen in
photographs, seldom detected on film, and sighted only in the
folds of blue pipe and drape. And because of your mastery of
"low profile", you seldom receive the "thank you" you deserve.
So, I am truly pleased to have this opportunity to thank you
for your unwavering service throughout the past four years. The
gratitude I express today is not just mine, but Mrs. Bush's and
the Vice President's, as well as members of the Cabinet and the
entire Administration. Without you, our lives would have been
considerably more difficult
and perhaps, world events would
not have transpired as quickly. Each of you, no matter what your
role, has a lot to be proud of. And I hope you are as proud of
yourselves as your Commander-in-Chief is of you.
WHMO (pronounced WHAMO) is an integral part of the
Presidency. There is not a place or a moment in time when the
President's action are not affected by your efforts. And given
ENERGY
all the time and effort invested, your quality never waivers. No
2
one, not even Mr. McBride or Mr. Gaughan, is more aware of this
than I. I know, because I've tested you from time to time.
The HMX pilots know what I'm talking about. Occasionally
I've tried to beat them to Marine One. ONLY Once -- one time out of
328 lifts -- did I manage that feat. Needless to say, I believe
an Express Line has been established in the Chow Hall at Camp
David solely for Pilots and Crew Chiefs.
One of my favorite tests involves simultaneous
interpretation systems. I couldn't help but notice -- as I said
that several trip officers shivered. Who among us can forget the
Moscow Summit, when we were convinced the system was out for
good? And who would have thought that gingerly playing with the
switch would turn it off? Honest, all I was trying to do was to
kill a little time while waiting, not kill the power. But forget
the electronics or even the uncertainty of a foreign site, just
strolling to the wrong lectern at Camp David is enough to rattle
even the most steady of T.O.'s.
And I've challenged other WHCA (pronounced WA-CA) types as
well. Although one should know better than to try and outrun a
vehicle named "Roadrunner." I must admit I thought I had you
last September when AF1 made an unannounced right turn out of New
Jersey in order to view hurricane damage in Miami. Low and
behold, if we weren't met on the ground by several WHCA members
and their trusty vehicle. Truly an impressive feat.
WITH ITS
THE ONLY MOTORCADE CAR THAT COMES CCOSE TO
For those of you who are not familiar with Roadrunner, it is
a
mobile communications center, [with] radio, telephone, and fax
3
capacit
Why the only motorcade vehicle that comes close In
comparison is
no, not the WHCA car
the limo with its
new cellular telephone system.
Roadrunner. That brings me to another issue. Call signs.
Roadrunner. Angel. Stagecoach. These I understand.
Tranquility for Mrs. Bush, I've always thought was quite
appropriate. And Timberwolf, I have no problem with that. But
how about that time in Branson, Missouri when you dressed me to
match. Someone was thinking when they gave me that t-shirt with
the wolf on it.
That too demonstrates a couple of this troop's strongest
traits -- creativity and a calm sense of humor. The satellite
antennas on a train trip through Wisconsin were a nice touch.
Both my granddaughter, Ellie, and I were impressed by the
ingenuity that transformed these functional-looking antennas into
Halloween pumpkins and ghosts.
But that same creativity and sense of humor isn't
restricted to actions, it is occasionally applied to verbal
explanations. For instance, during a South Lawn motorcade
departure, I understand a CARPET car was -- quote -- "hit by a
tree". I'm not certain which is more impressive -- the
explanation, or the idea of using a tree as a substitute brake.
I'm pleased to report only minor causalities resulted from that
incident. And today, both the driver and the tree have
completely recovered.
4
Just as that anecdote has a happy ending, so too does 1992.
This December is a little quieter than those of recent history
[ No summits to prepare for, no upcoming trips to advance, for the
most part all us will be able to spend the holidays with our
families. To your spouses and children, I want to express a very
heartfelt thank you. I know the separation hasn't been easy,
especially during the recent campaign. Unfortunately military
families are the first to feel the burden when moms and dads are
called away from home. Missed birthdays, anniversaries, and
you AND
holidays are painful reminders of the sacrifices your families
are called upon to make. I want everyone -- military and
your DEDICATION
civilian alike -- to know I truly appreciated [it]
Each man and woman gathered in this room has been a part of
history. You've served a Nation at war and at peace, a Nation
shaken by inner turmoil and a Nation respected by the world.
And you've helped the voice of freedom and liberty resonate
through parliament halls, palaces, and city squares around the
globe. It's been an honor to serve as your Commander-in-Chief.
From the youngest enlisted man to the highest ranking officer
you've all made me extremely proud. Thank you and may God bless
you.
# # #
Document No. 36 7050ss
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 12/11/92
A.S.A.P.
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PROPOSED PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: WHITE HOUSE MILITARY CEREMONY
ANACOSTIA, VA
SUBJECT:
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCBRIDE
BAKER
MOORE
SCOWCROFT
MULLINS
DARMAN
PETERSMEYER
BATES
PORTER
BRADY
SMITH
BROMLEY
TUTWILER
CALIO
ZOELLICK
\
DEMAREST
GAUGHAN
FITZWATER
R
MCGROARTY
GRAY
N/C
HOLIDAY
HORNER
REMARKS:
Please provide your comments on the attached directly to
Dan McGroarty, Rm. 122, x2930, with a copy to this office
A.S.A.P. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Called
3755
PHILLIP D. BRADY
Assistant to the President
and Staff Secretary
Ext. 2702
Martin/Aarhus
Dec. 10, 1992
DRAFT ONE
MIL
PROPOSED PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
WHITE HOUSE MILITARY CEREMONY
ANACOSTIA, VA
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1992
Thank you, Tim (McBride), for that kind introduction. John
Gaughan. Members of the White House Military Office, it is truly
a pleasure to be here with you. This is one of those rare
opportunities I have to actually see you, face to face. You all
may well be the White House's best kept secret -- rarely seen in
photographs, seldom detected on film, and sighted only in the
folds of blue pipe and drape. And because of your mastery of
"low profile", you seldom receive the "thank you" you deserve.
So, I am truly pleased to have this opportunity to thank you
for your unwavering service throughout the past four years. The
gratitude I express today is not just mine, but Mrs. Bush's and
the Vice President's, as well as members of the Cabinet and the
entire Administration. Without you, our lives would have been
considerably more difficult
and perhaps, world events would
not have transpired as quickly. Each of you, no matter what your
role, has a lot to be proud of. And I hope you are as proud of
yourselves as your Commander-in-Chief is of you.
WHMO (pronounced WHAMO) is an integral part of the
Presidency. There is not a place or a moment in time when the
President's action are not affected by your efforts. And given
all the time and effort invested, your quality never waivers. No
2
one, not even Mr. McBride or Mr. Gaughan, is more aware of this
than I. I know, because I've tested you from time to time.
The HMX pilots know what I'm talking about. Occasionally
I've tried to beat them to Marine One. Once -- one time out of
328 lifts -- did I manage that feat. Needless to say, I believe
an Express Line has been established in the Chow Hall at Camp
David solely for Pilots and Crew Chiefs.
One of my favorite tests involves simultaneous
interpretation systems. I couldn't help but notice -- as I said
that several trip officers shivered. Who among us can forget the
Moscow Summit, when we were convinced the system was out for
good? And who would have thought that gingerly playing with the
switch would turn it off? Honest, all I was trying to do was to
kill a little time while waiting, not kill the power. But forget
the electronics or even the uncertainty of a foreign site, just
strolling to the wrong lectern at Camp David is enough to rattle
even the most steady of T.O.'s.
And I've challenged other WHCA (pronounced WA-CA) types as
well. Although one should know better than to try and outrun a
vehicle named "Roadrunner." I must admit I thought I had you
last September when AF1 made an unannounced right turn out of New
Jersey in order to view hurricane damage in Miami. Low and
behold, if we weren't met on the ground by several WHCA members
and their trusty vehicle. Truly an impressive feat.
For those of you who are not familiar with Roadrunner, it is
a mobile communications center, with radio, telephone, and fax
3
capacity. Why the only motorcade vehicle that comes close in
comparison is
no, not the WHCA car
the limo with its
new cellular telephone system.
Roadrunner. That brings me to another issue. Call signs.
Roadrunner. Angel. Stagecoach. These I understand.
Tranquility for Mrs. Bush, I've always thought was quite
appropriate. And Timberwolf, I have no problem with that. But
how about that time in Branson, Missouri when you dressed me to
match. Someone was thinking when they gave me that t-shirt with
the wolf on it.
That too demonstrates a couple of this troop's strongest
traits -- creativity and a calm sense of humor. The satellite
antennas on a train trip through Wisconsin were a nice touch.
Both my granddaughter, Ellie, and I were impressed by the
ingenuity that transformed these functional-looking antennas into
Halloween pumpkins and ghosts.
But that same creativity and sense of humor isn't
restricted to actions, it is occasionally applied to verbal
explanations. For instance, during a South Lawn motorcade
departure, I understand a CARPET car was -- quote -- "hit by a
tree". I'm not certain which is more impressive -- the
explanation, or the idea of using a tree as a substitute brake.
I'm pleased to report only minor causalities resulted from that
incident. And today, both the driver and the tree have
completely recovered.
4
Just as that anecdote has a happy ending, so too does 1992.
This December is a little quieter than those of recent history.
No summits to prepare for, no upcoming trips to advance, for the
most part all us will be able to spend the holidays with our
families. To your spouses and children, I want to express a very
heartfelt thank you. I know the separation hasn't been easy,
especially during the recent campaign. Unfortunately military
families are the first to feel the burden when moms and dads are
called away from home. Missed birthdays, anniversaries, and
holidays are painful reminders of the sacrifices your families
are called upon to make. I want everyone -- military and
civilian alike -- to know I truly appreciated it.
Each man and woman gathered in this room has been a part of
history. You've served a Nation at war and at peace, a Nation
shaken by inner turmoil, and a Nation respected by the world.
And you've helped the voice of freedom and liberty resonate
through parliament halls, palaces, and city squares around the
globe. It's been an honor to serve as your Commander-in-Chief.
From the youngest enlisted man to the highest ranking officer --
you've all made me extremely proud. Thank you and may God bless
you.
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