Former Pres. GHW Bush To Join
Republican Senatorial Candidate
Waukesha (Oct. 8, 2004) - Former President George Herbert Walker Bush will join Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Michels in Milwaukee on Thursday, October 21. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, will speak at a noon luncheon at The Midwest Express Center.
The luncheon reunites the former president and Michels, who in 1991-92 served under the Commander-in-Chief as the commander of the Army’s elite Honor Guard in Washington, D.C., with duties at the White House, State Department and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
“I am honored to welcome former President Bush back to Wisconsin,” said Michels, a former Army Airborne Ranger Infantry officer. “President Bush is a man of great principle and dedication who brought to the White House traditional American values and a determination to direct them toward making the United States a kinder and gentler nation.”
Coming from a family with a tradition of public service, former President Bush felt the responsibility to make his contribution both in time of war and in peace. Born in Milton, Massachusetts, on June 12, 1924, he became a student leader at Phillips Academy in Andover. On his 18th birthday he enlisted in the armed forces. The youngest pilot in the Navy when he received his wings, he flew 58 combat missions during World War II.
On one mission over the Pacific as a torpedo bomber pilot he was shot down by Japanese antiaircraft fire and was rescued from the water by a U. S. submarine. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in action.
Bush next turned his energies toward completing his education and raising a family. In January 1945 he married Barbara Pierce. They had six children – President George W. Bush, Robin (who died as a child), John (known as Jeb), Neil, Marvin, and Dorothy.
George Bush served two terms as a Representative to Congress from Texas. Twice he ran unsuccessfully for the Senate. He was then appointed to a series of high-level positions: Ambassador to the United Nations, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Chief of the U. S. Liaison Office in the People's Republic of China, and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
In 1980 Bush campaigned for the Republican nomination for President. He lost, but was chosen as a running mate by Ronald Reagan. As Vice President, Bush had responsibility in several domestic areas, including Federal deregulation and anti-drug programs, and visited scores of foreign countries.
In 1988 Bush won the Republican nomination for President and, with Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana as his running mate, he defeated Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis in the general election.
Bush's greatest test came when Iraqi President Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, and then threatened to move into Saudi Arabia. Vowing to free Kuwait, Bush rallied the United Nations, the U. S. people, and Congress and sent 425,000 American troops. They were joined by 118,000 troops from allied nations. After weeks of air and missile bombardment, the 100-hour land battle dubbed Desert Storm routed Iraq's army.
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