thedrifter
11-28-08, 06:19 AM
Surprise call from Bush catches Marine off guard
By Casey Ramsdell, Globe Correspondent | November 28, 2008
For many men and women serving overseas in the military on Thanksgiving, a phone call from a loved one or from someone back home is a treat. What about a call from the president of the United States? For one Somerville Marine, that was the case.
US Marine Sergeant Paul Savage Jr., 28, was one of 11 members of the US armed forces surprised by a call from President Bush yesterday.
"He was caught off guard," Paul Savage Sr., 60, said last night of his son's reaction.
The president told the Marine, " 'I wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving,' " he said his son told him. Bush added, " 'I want to thank you for serving and thank you for doing a good job, all of you,' " the elder Savage said.
Savage said that his son's conversation with Bush was brief and that the White House staff told him that he could "call anywhere in the world." They connected him directly to his Somerville home.
Savage Jr. is a lifelong Somerville resident and graduated from Salem State College with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
He has served in the Marines for four years and has done two tours in Iraq. He is currently recovering from an injury he suffered when his Humvee was blown up in June.
As for Savage Sr., it looks like he and his family might be getting an early Christmas present - the younger Savage is scheduled to return to the United States in December.
Ellie
By Casey Ramsdell, Globe Correspondent | November 28, 2008
For many men and women serving overseas in the military on Thanksgiving, a phone call from a loved one or from someone back home is a treat. What about a call from the president of the United States? For one Somerville Marine, that was the case.
US Marine Sergeant Paul Savage Jr., 28, was one of 11 members of the US armed forces surprised by a call from President Bush yesterday.
"He was caught off guard," Paul Savage Sr., 60, said last night of his son's reaction.
The president told the Marine, " 'I wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving,' " he said his son told him. Bush added, " 'I want to thank you for serving and thank you for doing a good job, all of you,' " the elder Savage said.
Savage said that his son's conversation with Bush was brief and that the White House staff told him that he could "call anywhere in the world." They connected him directly to his Somerville home.
Savage Jr. is a lifelong Somerville resident and graduated from Salem State College with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
He has served in the Marines for four years and has done two tours in Iraq. He is currently recovering from an injury he suffered when his Humvee was blown up in June.
As for Savage Sr., it looks like he and his family might be getting an early Christmas present - the younger Savage is scheduled to return to the United States in December.
Ellie