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News

Ft Wayne man meets First Lady

Posted: 02/02/2008

Emery McClendon was in the Air Force for four years and in the 122nd Fighter Wing out of Fort Wayne for two years. After years of military service, he created a tradition for the troops that's taking the nation by storm, and he got to meet the President because of it.

McClendon was one of 400 people in Washington D.C. for a gathering with the group, "Families United for a Strong America." It's a support system for military families and President Bush had a message for them at the White House.

"We see the protesters, but not the good side, so thank you," Bush said. "I needed this."

McClendon said when he went to high-five the president, Bush grabbed his hand and said, "God Bless you." McClendon also got a picture taken with the First Lady, Laura Bush.

McClendon became a member of Families United through his work with Ham radios. He created the Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day, or ARMAD, in 2003. Every year since, on Memorial Day weekend, people from all over talk to the troops overseas to send them words of encouragement.

"I got the idea because I've been there and I know how it feels," McClendon said.