Senator and me time

The second day of his visit, Senator Obama took another opportunity to dine with some of the troops. I kind of crashed the party. By that I mean I didn't sign up that I would be attending, but the planners thought I might. Maybe crashed is too strong a word. It also helps to be friends with those planners. Everyone was seated in the dining room and already eating when the senator arrived. There were a couple of empty seats remaining at the U-shaped table setup and an extra 6-top off to the side. I intended to sit at the extra table but it filled up with the senator's traveling companions, protocol and the escort officer. That left me with the seat next to the senator. I fully expected someone to immediately sit by him, but most people were avoiding him. I'm pretty sure he wasn't contagious, so I sat down.

We didn't have an electrifying conversation. He commented on my bowl of oatmeal, as does everyone who eats breakfast with me for the first time (I didn't realize oatmeal was so repulsive or healthy depending on who's making the comment), and I assured him that I was only making up for past indiscretions. When I told him I was Public Affairs he looked at my name tape and recalled we had an interview scheduled for later.

He continued to exchange some small talk with those of us around him for a few minutes and managed to delay his scheduled itinerary by about half an hour. I think the only person who was keeping track was Noel, the protocol officer. After he was finished, he stayed around for some photo ops with the diners who lined up on either side of him. I didn't take advantage of this because I knew I would have a moment in about an hour.

The senator then walked over to another building and sat through a mission brief and a roundtable discussion with Admiral Hunt and his staff. Then it was time for his interview with Public Affairs. Originally, I enthusiastically volunteered to do the interview, but when I found out our chief was an Illinois resident I deferred it to him. He was probably more excited about it than I was. The interview went well. Senator Obama seemed genuinely interested in the CJTF-HOA mission.

Afterwards, those of us in the room had our own photo op. Senator Obama departed the camp shortly after and headed to Chad to round out his Africa visit. I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet this fascinating man. I’m sure he will have a fruitful career in politics.

Voting my conscience,

Marty