2003 THS graduate selected to sit next to President Bush
2003 THS graduate selected to sit next to President Bush
By: Carol Holmes
Description: Marine chosen out of thousands to attend special breakfast on April 23
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Posted by editor Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
Viewed 335 times
0 responses 0 comments A special breakfast of limited guests met with the president of the United States at the Marine Corps base in Twenty-Nine Palms, one of them from Tehachapi.
Not only was Marine Cpl. David Lara chosen out of thousands of men and woman to attend the breakfast with President Bush’s entourage and a small number of Marines, the president personally selected David to sit next to him.
“I think he was selected because he is highly decorated,” said his mother, Beverly Lara. “He is only 21 and has two purple hearts and other honors and ribbons earned in combat action.”
David’s dad is also very proud of his son’s accomplishments.
“I am humbled that of the many deserving men and women serving our country, my son had the opportunity to share some time and thoughts with our president,” said Mike Lara. “This, I have no doubt, is a good memory my son will carry with him forever, and will be able to share with his family and friends.”
David was notified on April 20 that he had been selected to attend the April 23 breakfast.
When the president asked David why he chose to serve in the Marine Corps, he replied that it was a family tradition and “something I’ve always wanted to do.”
In fact, David was the 16th person in his family to join the Corps.
David said he was grateful for the opportunity to attend the breakfast and personally talk to thepresident. He also said the breakfast was casual and that the president showed a good sense of humor.
Nevertheless, David had the opportunity to answer some serious questions about how to improve morale in the Corps.
“I told him I think the Marine infantry men need to get more recognition than they do,” David said.
He said that most people don’t understand that only 7 to 8 percent of the Marine Corps is made up of infantry — the guys who do the fighting.
Following the private breakfast, President Bush visited with many Twenty-Nine Palms Marines during lunch.
Mike said he believes the president, would, if it were possible, personally thank each and every one of the America’s servicemen and women for serving their country. But, he said, because it is impossible for the him to do that, we should thank the military members whenever we have the opportunity.
“After all, the freedoms, liberty and even pleasures that we enjoy come at a cost,” Mike said.
David has completed two seven-month tours in Iraq. His first tour began on Feb 11, 2004 and ended on Sept. 18, 2004. Ironically, his second tour began on July 4, 2005, and as he flew out of March Air Force he could see fireworks lighting the night as the country celebrated Independence Day.
During his tours David was stationed in Baghdad, Falluja, Ramadi, Hadifa and Hit, where he served in the infantry in various military roles.
David’s mom, Beverly, began a photo display of Tehachapi military members in 2004. She said it was very therapeutic for her to do something that would help the community honor those who were serving their country.
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