Wednesday, June 19, 2002
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Wednesday, June 19, 2002 |
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Dunn welcomes President Bush to Georgia
On Monday, President George Bush was thinking about Fayette County - at least for a few moments. Fayette County Commission Chairman Greg Dunn was one of four Georgians invited to welcome President Bush to Atlanta. Dunn joined John Oxendine, Georgia Insurance Commissioner, Renee Glover, Executive Director Atlanta Housing Authority and T. Rogers Wade, President & CEO Georgia Public Policy Foundation. Late last week Dunn received a call, asking if he was available to meet the President early Monday morning. Details were scarce due to security and Dunn was asked not to share the times for security reasons. Dunn served as the Co-Chair for Bush's Presidential Campaign efforts for the 3rd Congressional District and Chaired his campaign for Fayette County. Per instructions, Dunn arrived early at Hartsfield International Airport to await the arrival of Air Force One. Security was tight, with temporary metal detectors, dogs walking the area sniffing for explosive and incendiaries, and detailed checks of bags. After clearing security, Dunn was ushered into a room overlooking the airport tarmac to wait. Surrounded by what at times looked like a teeming beehive of secret service and police, he met and chatted with various members of the Bush cabinet. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez flew in from Washington along with his undersecretary to join President Bush on his two-hour trip to Atlanta. After giving radio and press interviews, Martinez talked with Dunn and others. Press Secretary Ari Fleischer engaged Dunn in conversation, sharing views on national and state issues and politics. The direction of the conversation changed when they discovered they were both native New Yorkers the Yankees, the Mets and even the old Brooklyn Dodgers entered the conversation. With the quietly spoken words "we're on" from an Agent, the demeanor of the large contingency of Atlanta Police, Secret Service and Whitehouse staffers immediately changed from relaxed to extra alert. Dunn and other greeters were guided out to the runway to watch as Air Force One landed and wheeled to stop in its designated spot. As the front door opened, Dunn was ushered across the runway to stand at the foot of the plane's stairs to meet President Bush. Bush shook hands with each Georgia greeter quickly, stopping to talk with Dunn. President Bush, prepped beforehand, thanked Dunn for coming to meet him. The two talked briefly regarding Fayette County. Dunn then thanked President Bush for his support of the military forces and his outstanding performance as their Commander-in-Chief. Dunn retired as a Colonel after 29 plus years in the U.S. Army. Within moments, Bush was whisked into his limousine for a whirlwind visit to St. Paul AME Church and the Pryor Road Corridor Development. When asked about his experience, Dunn said, "I was deeply honored to have been chosen to welcome President Bush back to Georgia. I am extremely proud that the people of Georgia played such a critical role in having elected such an outstanding man to lead our nation."
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