A Personal Encounter with Our President Bush

Normally, I don't publish this kind of thing on my blog. Those of you who have visited from time-to-time know me to be an agnostic conservative who generally steers away from the Christian conversation - not because I hate or fear them, but because I can't always understand them.

This one is a bit different - in that it is a personal account of one who has met President Bush and can testify to the man's character during one memorable encounter. Religion aside, I have sensed Mr. Bush's genuine nature (in a sea of ruthless politicians) since he came to office. I certainly don't always agree with him, but I am convinced (inasmuch as one can be from a distance) of his goodness and sheer passion for this country.

Lastly, I might not have believed the validity of this story (sent to me by a buddy who is an active duty Marine) had I not heard first and second-hand accounts from people who have also encountered the Bush family with similar tales of their warmth and humanity - to include Secret Service agents and crew-members of Air Force One.

Watching our President speak today, I was reminded once again of his moral courage and unflappable optimism in the face of this country's unimaginably frightening challenges and myriad of domestic and foreign enemies.

Here is the account from Bruce Vincent, who received an award from the President. The nature of the award is obviously unimportant, but the experience is telling indeed.