Chapter 1
"I'm going. Ron has approved the trip and I need to see the men and women serving our country. You know that every precaution will be taken. And Ron will not let me out of his sight for even a second."
"Jed, you're going for the right reason, but it's so dangerous."
"I know that, Abbey. But what do you think is happening every day in the war? These kids are basically putting their lives on the line every day. I need to go and thank them for their efforts. Nobody will know I'm there. There will be a press blackout until we leave the airspace. Besides, this will let the public know in a visual way how much I support what these soldiers are doing."
"But Jed, this is a war zone. You could get injured or even killed. Think of your family. Think of me. Please, Jed. I understand the political aspect of this, but I'm focused on the personal."
Jed walked to Abbey and gave her a hug. "Honey, I understand that you're afraid. But it's something that I must do. A Commander in Chief has to support his troops and this is a way I can do that. I'll be in and out and be home in time for our anniversary next week."
"Jed, is there anything I can say to change your mind?"
"No."
"Well, I'll stop arguing. You always were hard-headed." Abbey walked over to him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.
"You married me for that trait, right?"
"Yeah, right."
Abbey had one more thing to say. "Promise you'll come back?"
"Of course, Sweet Knees. Don't I always?"
Jed left on Air Force One two days later. The public trip had him going to Italy, Greece and Israel. But in reality, one day had been built into the schedule for him to fly into Baghdad, meet some of the troops, and get back to Israel without the press realizing what was really happening. Toby and CJ were going with him. The Iraqi Prime Minister had been informed to expect an important visitor that day. But he wasn't told who this visitor was going to be.
Flying into Baghdad International Airport in a smaller, unmarked plane, Jed, CJ and Toby had time to contemplate the importance of the President's visit. The whole world would sit up and recognize the importance of such a visitor to the newly democratic country.
After the elections, the Assembly was attempting to craft the first constitution for the country in over fifty years. With the President of the United States visiting, it would lend credence to the task ahead and encourage the Assembly to continue their work.
Jed recognized such a once in a lifetime opportunity and wanted to demonstrate the support of the United States in such a democratic process. So he chose this particular week to make a surprise visit.
After landing, the Presidential party was greeted in the main airport by the chief American Administrator, the Iraqi Prime Minister, and then set out to visit some troops at two locations in Baghdad.