Deployed Airman receives call from president

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Randy L. Mitchell
  • 447th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AFPN) --  While most people were waiting to make an important call on Thanksgiving, an Airman here was awaiting a call from an important person. 

Airman 1st Class Sarah Sullivan, an airfield management operations supervisor, received that call at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 24, when the White House switchboard put the commander in chief through to her. 

She had learned about a week earlier President George W. Bush would call on Thanksgiving to thank her for her service in Iraq. 

“I was in total and complete shock,” Airman Sullivan said. “I never really thought I would be selected. I know there are many hardworking troops out there and I figured the odds were for someone else.” 

It is that selfless attitude that got her nominated in the first place, according to her commander. 

“I can’t speak for Airman Sullivan,” said Lt. Col. Joe Katuzienski, 447th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron commander. “But I think she was chosen because she is a humble, diligent, hard-working, selfless Airman who works quietly behind the scenes. She gives others credit for her work, treats others with respect, and her personality lifts up people around her.” 

“It is hard to wrap my brain around,” Airman Sullivan said. “I just feel so proud and humble at the same time.” 

Airman Sullivan wasn’t the only one excited about the call. Her co-workers and friends back home were proud and happy for her. 

Colonel Katuzienski could hardly contain himself when it was time to tell her she had been selected to receive the call. 

“I caught up with Sully at our intramural volleyball game,” he said. “When we arrived at the volleyball courts, about 50 people were there, and I made a public announcement: Attention … everyone … attention … this is real world: The White House staff office just called and the president of the United States will personally make a phone call to Airman Sullivan on Thanksgiving Day.’ 

“All the Airmen gathered there at the time cheered and applauded,” said a smiling Colonel Katuzienski. “Sully stood up from the bleachers, smiled and turned completely red in the face. That was quite a moment for all of us and one we will be sure to remember.” 

As the day arrived and she was about to speak to President Bush, Airman Sullivan worked her way through the butterflies in her stomach. 

“Overall, the wait was more nerve-racking than to actually talk to him,” Airman Sullivan said. “He made me feel pretty comfortable, as comfortable as one could be talking to the commander in chief!” 

The call lasted only about two minutes, but Airman Sullivan said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity she would savor forever. 

“I will never forget him saying ‘Sarah, this is the president of the United States calling,’” she said. “He was laughing and sounded excited to be doing this. He told me he was calling to wish me and everyone here a happy Thanksgiving, and asked me how I was doing. He told me how very proud of me and our troops he is, and I told him we were proud to be here.” 

She even found they have something in common besides sharing a good laugh. 

“He asked me where I was from and I mentioned I lived in Maine for four or five years, so I thought we had something in common. He laughed and said, ‘Yeah, my parents have a house up there,’ and I replied ‘Yes, sir, I know’ and we both laughed. He added, ‘It gets a little cold up there in the winter’ and laughed some more. 

“I think it is so impressive that the president would take the time out of his day to do this,” Airman Sullivan said. “It makes a big impact on us as deployed members.” 

The president even asked about her husband and how much longer she had left in Iraq. 

“He asked where my husband was for the holiday, and I told him he was in North Carolina,” Airman Sullivan said. “Then he asked how long I’ve been here. I told him nearly three months and he asked how long my tour was. After I told him, he said I’d be home in no time.” 

This year’s Thanksgiving will be one to remember for Airman Sullivan. Above everything, she said she’s grateful and extremely proud to have represented all Airmen assigned here at Sather Air Base and Baghdad.