Commander in chief visits Vance

  • Published
  • By Capt. Tony Wickman and Tech Sgt. Mary Davis
  • Public Affairs
Vance Air Force Base, Okla. --  The U.S. commander in chief stopped at Vance Air Force Base Saturday while en route to Oklahoma State University to give a commencement address.
President George W. Bush was greeted by more than 300 Team Vance servicemembers, Department of Defense civilians, contractors and family members after his OSU speech.
This was a special event for Team Vance, but for Betsy Kriner, daughter Col. Kevin and Mary Kriner, 71st Operations Group commander, it was the best 17th birthday present in the world.
"It was a once in a lifetime experience," said the Enid High junior, who received a hug and had her photo taken with the president. "This is a gift I will remember forever. What a great way to celebrate my 17th birthday."
Several state leaders were there to greet the president, including Senator James Inhofe, Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin, Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives Todd Hiett and Enid Mayor Ernie Currier.
"This is a great day for Vance, and this is a great day for Enid," the mayor said. "I am a fan of President George W. Bush. I believe he is a great leader and leads our nation wisely. I couldn't be happier that he visited our community."
This was a wonderful opportunity for Vance Air Force Base to showcase its support for the president of the United States, said the 71st Flying Training Wing Commander Col. Bryan Benson.
"Many people worked feverishly preparing and coordinating for this event," the commander said. "Their work ethic was phenomenal, but the knowledge that the President would personally inspect their work gave them added motivation to make this event absolutely seamless."
This is the third presidential visit Vance has received over the years. President Richard Nixon stopped at Vance May 10, 1974. President George H.W. Bush also stopped at Vance while en route to give an OSU commencement speech in 1990.
"The members of Team Vance and the citizens of northwest Oklahoma were only too excited to host the president," Colonel Benson said. "We hope next time he'll bring the first lady and stay a little longer."