Tammy Pruett is embraced by President George W. Bush following his speech at Idaho Center Arena, Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2005 in Nampa, Idaho.
On Wednesday, President Bush addressed Idaho National Guard personnel and their families in Nampa, Idaho.
He thanked the men and women of the Guard and Reserve for their service and sacrifice during this time of war. As he explained the necessity to complete the mission in Iraq, he acknowledged the tremendous burden that falls on the military families.
During his speech, the President praised an incredible woman, Tammy Pruett. She's a military mom from Pocatello, Idaho. Her husband and her five sons have all served in Iraq.
Transcript
(Excerpts)
Since September the 11th, 2001, more than 243,000 members of the National Guard have been mobilized for various missions in the war on terror. Idaho now has a higher percentage of its Guard forces mobilized than any other state. (Applause.) At this moment, more than 1,700 soldiers of the Idaho Guard are serving in Iraq. It's the largest Guard mobilization in the history of Idaho. Laura and I are here to thank you for your service and your courage in defending the United States of America. (Applause.)
A time of war is a time of sacrifice, and a heavy burden falls on our military families. They miss you and they worry about you. By standing behind you, you're standing up for America -- the families are standing for America. And America appreciates the service and the sacrifice of the military families. (Applause.)
There are few things in life more difficult than seeing a loved one go off to war. And here in Idaho, a mom named Tammy Pruett -- (applause) -- I think she's here -- (laughter) -- knows that feeling six times over. (Applause.) Tammy has four sons serving in Iraq right now with the Idaho National Guard -- Eric, Evan, Greg and Jeff. Last year, her husband Leon and another son, Eren, returned from Iraq, where they helped train Iraqi firefighters in Mosul. Tammy says this -- and I want you to hear this -- "I know that if something happens to one of the boys, they would leave this world doing what they believe, what they think is right for our country. And I guess you couldn't ask for a better way of life than giving it for something that you believe in." America lives in freedom because of families like the Pruetts. (Applause.)
...On September the 11th, 2001,...I made a decision -- America will not wait to be attacked again. Our doctrine is clear: We will confront emerging threats before they full materialize. And if you harbor a terrorist, you're just as guilty as the terrorist. (Applause.)
We will stay on the offense. We'll complete our work in Afghanistan and Iraq. An immediate withdrawal of our troops in Iraq, or the broader Middle East, as some have called for, would only embolden the terrorists and create a staging ground to launch more attacks against America and free nations. So long as I'm the President, we will stay, we will fight, and we will win the war on terror. (Applause.)
...The Iraqi people want to live in freedom. Part of securing America for our children and grandchildren is to help them secure their freedom. Members of the Idaho Guard know the Iraqi people's desire for liberty because they've seen it up close. Specialist Matt Salisbury is with us today. (Applause.) He helped provide security for the election. He described seeing an Iraqi family helping an elderly man to the polls vote that day.
Is it all right if I quote you? (Laughter.) "The pride radiating from his face was unmistakable," Matt said. "With one act, he recovered his dignity which had been stolen by a tyrant. How can I possibly describe the return of hope and dignity that I saw in these people's eyes? It is worth the sacrifice of leaving families, jobs and a safe life. I am proud to be a citizen soldier in the 116th Brigade Combat Team serving in Iraq. And I'm proud to stand on my watch." (Applause.)
...We will prevail in this struggle because freedom is the permanent hope of mankind, and because we have on our side the greatest force for freedom in the history of the world -- the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces. (Applause.)
Since the founding of our republic, every generation has produced patriots willing to sacrifice for our freedom. Since the morning of September the 11th, we have known that the war on terror required great sacrifice, as well. In this war, we have said farewell to some very good men and women, including 491 heroes of the National Guard and Reserves. We mourn the loss of every life. We pray for their loved ones. These brave men and women gave their lives for a cause that is just and necessary for the security of our country, and now we will honor their sacrifice by completing their mission. (Applause.)
After a four-month separation, Evan, Jeff, Eric and Greg Pruett, from left, met in Kirkuk in April.
The sacrifice that the Pruett family has volunteered to make is awe-inspiring.
Tammy Pruett has watched SIX loved ones leave to serve in Iraq. Last year, her husband and a son returned from the war. At present, FOUR of her boys are there. FOUR!
I honestly don't know how she handles it. She must be a woman of great faith.
The Pruetts' story is one of remarkable service and sacrifice to our country.
Read more about this heroic family.
How does Tammy Pruett deal with four of her children being in harm's way?
"It's her job to 'put on a happy face and just get through the day,' she says. She's very proud of her sons and what they are doing in Iraq, and she prays for them every day. "
As President Bush said, "America lives in freedom because of families like the Pruetts."
We should never take that freedom and its cost for granted; and we should be thankful for the courageous American families, like the Pruetts, that are willing to defend our liberty.
We owe them so much.
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