Obamas' host backyard party: Screaming Eagles receive special barbecue invite

By Fort Campbell CourierJuly 10, 2009

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1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Barack Obama shared his first Fourth of July celebration at the White House with 1,200 military families. The president returned from Camp David Saturday so he could host the large party on the South Lawn for service members and their families. Twent... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

July 10, 2009 -- Twenty-five Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division, including the 4th Brigade Combat Team and the Warrior Transition Unit, had a unique opportunity to celebrate the Fourth on the White House lawn.

Soldiers who had meritoriously or valorously distinguished themselves, attended the Fourth of July celebration Saturday, with President Barack Obama at the White House in Washington, D.C.

"My reaction was pretty mild compared to my mother's. She was ecstatic," said Spc. Gregory Waters, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th BCT. "Pretty humbling experience and cool at the same time."

Waters, along with Sgt. Anthony Jacobs and Warrant Officer Travis Higgins flew into the Ronald Reagan International Airport Friday morning.

"It's kind of bitter sweet," said Higgins, who survived a fatal helicopter crash. "It's very exciting to get the opportunity to attend the White House ceremony, but it's kind of bitter in the fact that some people that deserve it more are unable to attend due to their sacrifice.

"It's a great opportunity, but at the same time you got to think about the guys that are unable to attend," he added.

Higgins brought his family along for the ride.

"My wife and children were extremely excited," Higgins said. "It's great that they can get something back for their sacrifices that they made as a military family. All too often the job of a military family is almost a thankless job. It's very difficult. For an opportunity like this to come out, it's just amazing. It makes some of their sacrifices kind of worth it."

Jacobs, having visited Washington, D.C., before, guided several of his comrades as they visited the national monuments and various other war memorials. They spent the remainder of the day Friday at the Fourth of July festival being held in the downtown area near their hotel.

The Soldiers left their hotel late Saturday afternoon and arrived at the White House South Lawn for the event. Drinks were served and after a while food was offered in a casual, buffet style as the band played in the background. An hour into the party, the president stepped out onto the balcony outside the Oval office and spoke to the party participants.

Speaking from a balcony of the South Portico with his wife and daughters by his side, Obama thanked U.S. servicemen and women for the job they do for the country and paid special attention to the recent handover of security in Iraq's cities.

"He spoke about the importance of the Fourth of July and thanked us all for our service," said Jacobs. "He talked briefly about how our sacrifices and efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan have helped the people so much."

After he spoke, Obama walked out onto the lawn and shook hands with the guests through a metal fence, thanking them for coming and for their service to the country.

Immediately following Obama's speech, the USO entertained the party with performances by Michelle Branch, the Foo Fighters and Jimmy Fallon as the announcer. Around 9 p.m. a fireworks show lit up the sky as a grand display of pride and patriotism, casting brilliant lights and crackling pops over the party. The display, fired from the direction of the Washington Memorial, lit up the area and provided an inspiring ending to the celebration.

"It was an amazing honor to be chosen to go to that kind of event," said Jacobs. "It was something I know I will never forget."

Higgins added, "This was a great bonus. It was great to have this opportunity."