Former President Bush helps dedicate
renovated USO facility at Camp Casey
By Jeremy Kirk, Seoul bureau
chief
CAMP CASEY — Former President Bush received a rousing welcome Friday from hundreds
of soldiers during the dedication of the renovated United Service Organizations facility
here.
The facility is named for his father, former Connecticut Sen. Prescott S. Bush, who
helped found the USO. Sen. Bush was the organization’s chairman during World War II,
raising $33 million.
"He believed there could be no definition of a successful life that didn’t
include service to others," Bush said. "I am very, very grateful to the Korean
sponsors who gave the extra mile to make this possible."
Bush, who wore a 2nd Infantry Division jacket during a luncheon, greeted dozens of
soldiers and mugged for photos. In a brief speech, the father of current President Bush
joked about sharing the name.
"I’m going through a bit of an identity crisis these days," Bush said.
"They used to say ‘former President George Bush.’ I’ve had to change
my name to George H. Bush now."
Bush couldn’t resist poking fun at being a president’s father. The president
recently visited his home in Maine, but even one of the most powerful men in the world
couldn’t escape Mom’s scrutiny.
"[Barbara Bush] says: ‘George, take your feet off my table!’" Bush
said. "I said: ‘Barbara, this guy is president of the United States of America.
Give him a little respect.’ No, no chance of that from her."
Bush said he had confidence in his son in some of America’s most trying times.
"He’s faced with a very difficult situation, but the country is united,"
Bush said. "I don’t believe in giving advice if you don’t have all the
information. We’re there, as parents, just like your parents are there for you.
It’s strictly family and faith that matters."
Bush later cut the ribbon for the USO with dignitaries including U.S. Ambassador to
Korea Thomas Hubbard and retired Gen. John H. Tilelli, former U.S. Forces Korea commander
and president and CEO of the USO.
The Federation of Korean Industries donated $154,000 to the renovation.
The renovations included an American Indian motif, furniture, two large-screen
televisions and 10 computers with cameras for video messages.
The dedication "was very touching," said D.J. Stanhope, Camp Casey USO
director. "Prescott Bush is such a hero to us because he was such a great example of
service as well as generosity."
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