Meeting with the C.I.C.;
I went to D.C. for the WWII Memorial dedication, thanks to the org. I belong.
American G.I. Forum, Dedication was on Sat. and had Tickets to sit in a reserved
section. Of course my wife went also. Sat.evening the Cmndr. of the org.
called me at the hotel and said that he was to sent a WWII vet to represent
the A.G.I.F. and he wanted me to be the one. Told him I couldn't because
my return flight was for Sun.pm. He said I will hold your name, call the
airline and change your departure date for Mon. pm. I called and the clerk
said sure but it will cost you $175.00 I said why she ans. Co. policy. I told
her why I wanted it changed. She said ,wait a minute, when she got back on
she said she talked to the Gen. Mgr. why I wanted to change and he said
waive the $100.00 and just charge 75. So I TOOK it. Anyway Mon. morning
7am I was driven to the White House and lo and behold there was Colin Powell
and a couple of 4star Generals met them and had a pic taken with Colin Powell
Then we had a contl. brkfst. Time for the Pres. so a short line was formed
and when my turn came a female Marine called out my name and I entered
the Blue Room and there they were. Pres. Bush walked towards me and he greeted me then we walked to the center of the room and he introduced me
to Mrs. Bush and I got as close as I could to her,(check where my left arm is)
So we talked a little more, then I excused myself with a smile on my face.
They sent me the official White House Photo! Proud moment for Roque Riojas