Laura goes to Bagram

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2005 – “We support you, we believe in you, and we’re proud of you.” That was the message first lady Laura Bush carried to U.S. troops at Bagram Air Base during her March 30 visit to Afghanistan.

The visit with U.S. servicemembers deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom topped off a six-hour, whirlwind visit through Afghanistan, during which the first lady offered support to Afghan women in their struggle for more rights and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to expanded educational opportunities for women and children.

At Bagram Air Base, Bush praised the troops for making these advances possible and thanked them for their service and sacrifice. “Every day you’re protecting the rights and liberties all of us hold dear,” she said. “You’re also bringing opportunity and security to people who have known years of cruel oppression.”

We talked to Seth early Friday morning. On the topic of Laura Bush he noted that the grunts don't get to see the VIP's - just the effects of them. Her visit just meant more hours on patrol to guarantee her safety and a general disruption of base routine. He said that most people just wish the bigwigs would stay away. Other than that everything is going well.......