President Bush visits Keesler

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Larlee
  • Air Force Print News
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (AFPN) --  Airmen at Keesler Air Force Base got a surprise Aug. 28 when President George W. Bush passed through on his way to visit the Gulf Coast region.

Base officials first learned about the visit Aug. 25 and rushed to make preparations for him to land in the area.

"This isn't the first time the president has visited Keesler," said Lt. Col. Claudia Foss, director of the 81st Training Wing Public Affairs. "He was here right after Hurricane Katrina, and each time it is a basewide effort to make the visit go smoothly. It is an honor to have him here."

The president also made time in his schedule to shake hands and talk with 30 Keesler Airman.

Senior Airman Ngwa Ntumngia, an administration specialist with 81st Medical Operations Squadron, was among the Airmen. Airman Ntumngia, who was born in Bafut Village, Bamenda, Cameroon, did not know he was going to meet the president until this morning.

"It was a lifetime opportunity," Airman Ntumngia said. "My only regret is that everybody from my village could not be here because it would be a big deal for them."

Airman Ntumngia said President Bush picked up on his accent and asked him a few questions about where he was from.

"I felt recognized for what I'm doing, and (it) made me proud to wear the uniform," he said. "It was a great feeling to shake his hand and made all of my hard work worth it."