Once in a lifetime?

What was I doing today? On Monday I got an email that the President was coming to Jackson Barracks. Yes, as in the President of the United States. President Bush came to Jackson Barracks to talk about the recovery of New Orleans and the surrounding parishes. I was fortunate enough to sit on the third row. All around me were very important people. Mayor Ray Nagin and Governor Bobby Jindal were about five feet from me.

Here are some pictures from the speech.

This is General Downer and President Bush. We (Shaw) work for General Downer at the Barracks.

President Bush giving his speech.

President Bush looking at me while I take a picture! How nice of him to do that.

Two of my co-workers shaking hangs with the Mayor of New Orleans and the Governor of Louisiana.

Me standing at the President's podium.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to tell you...After the President finished his speech he walked around and shook hands with people. I was on the second row so I was able to shake his hand. We looked eye to eye and I said "Pleased to meet you sir" and he said " ? ". I don't remember what he said. I was so excited that I was able to shake his hand and I completely forgot what he told me. I think that he was telling me that he would call me later to discuss my future, I don't know.

This was a wonderful experience for me. I was honored to have been included in this event. I hope that I am able to get a picture of the hand shake at some point. There is a rumor going around that we are going to get some pictures from the president's photographer. I hope so, I am keeping my fingers crossed.