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From Bush's Back Yard To Iraq
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| It’s no secret that President George W. Bush spends as much time as he can away from the White House and at his ranch in central Texas. The President’s stays at the “western White House” have had a big impact on the small town of Crawford, Texas, near the ranch. And now the war against Iraq is also being felt in a very personal way in Crawford. | |||
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SCRIPT:
Crawford, Texas has a unique view of world events. Most of the locals don’t question President Bush’s policies on Iraq, even when a popular pastor is called to active duty.
The Reverend Kent Berry is pastor of First United Methodist Church, a few miles from his commander in chief’s Texas ranch. Berry corresponded with First Lady Laura Bush after helping a friend of hers. And he has met the president. He also has some advice about Iraq.
The Rev. Kent Berry / Pastor, First United Methodist Church: “Keep praying and hang in there. Stay with it.”
Berry will be a chaplain for an Army National Guard engineering unit. He’ll be away for 18 months.
The Rev. Kent Berry: “Our goal is to stabilize the government, help the people, and then get out. We’re doing the right thing.”
Britney Berry / Pastor Berry’s Daughter: “I’m very proud of my dad, because he’ll be over there fighting for our country and for Iraq.”
The first family is so popular in Crawford that a local diner lists their favorites on the menu. But Pastor Berry will soon be eating military rations instead. His congregation wants him back in the pulpit after his tour of duty.
Jerry Lynch / Member, First United Methodist Church: “He is a very loved man in the community. He has done so well in this church.”
Church members and Berry’s family say their support for Operation Iraqi Freedom brings them closer together. And they’re praying for the president who put Crawford, Texas on the map.
TAG:
President Bush purchased the “western White House” in 1999. And Crawford residents say it’s caused a rebirth in their town, with several new businesses opening. You can also find out more about President Bush’s ties to the town on the Crawford, Texas webpage at http://www.crawford-texas.org.