President visits Eielson

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Frank Hartnett
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) --  President George W. Bush visited Eielson Air Force Base Aug. 4 to address base Airmen and the Soldiers of Fort Wainwright.

His visit to Alaska was the first stop in an eight-day tour to Asia as the president meets foreign heads of state and will be on hand for the opening ceremonies at the Olympic Games in Beijing.

"I've been to a lot of military bases around the world, but I don't think I've ever been to one where a moose can cause a traffic jam," President Bush said. "Or a base where a snowmobile can be considered a lawn ornament."

The president noted members of the 354th Fighter Wing and the 168th Air Refueling Wing of the Alaska Air National Guard make many contributions to the country.

"I am very proud to be here with people who have volunteered in the face of danger," the president said. "You understand what I know, that it is best to defeat the enemy overseas so we do not have to face them here in the United States."

The president shook hands with Airmen and Soldiers as he made his way back to Air Force One to depart for the rest of his Asian tour. 

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