Reservists enjoy front-row seats to President's speech

Translog: Journal of Military Transportation Management, Jan-Feb, 2002

A team of Reservists with the Military Traffic Management Command found themselves in front-row seats for a speech by their Commander-in-Chief.

The 1174th Transportation Terminal Battalion members were in Norfolk, Va., in early December for annual training. They were working on Pier 14, next to the USS Enterprise, an aircraft carrier just back from Operation Enduring Freedom.

When Maj. Rick Wasserman heard that President George Bush was going to address the Enterprise crew Dec. 7--the 60th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor--he pursued a creative response. The public affairs officer contacted the security staff of the Enterprise and asked if some of the Fort Totten, N.Y., Reservists could receive an invitation.

They could!

"Not in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that we would have the privilege of meeting the nation's chief executive," said Wasserman.

In civilian life, Wasserman serves as a community service coordinator for WMTR/WDHA Radio, in Morristown, N.J.

Wasserman and his fellow Reservists arrived early to get good seats.

"We arrived over two hours early, and were able to find places almost directly in front of the lectern."

President Bush arrived at 3 p.m. and addressed a very enthusiastic crowd of Enterprise sailors and Marines.

"It was great to see the President up close," said Maj. Julio Toro, Vessel Chief, of the 1174th. "I'm glad I brought my camera."

Praise also came from Spc. Dmitry Zosimov, who emigrated from Russia in 1996.

"It was very motivating," said Zosimov, Terminal Operations Sergeant.

"It made me appreciate the direction our country is taking in the war on terrorism."

In their seats immediately in front of the media area, several Reservists got additional attention. They were interviewed by newspaper and television reporters on their reaction to the President's speech.