With President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama , a few Army spouses gave Fort Stewart Patch their thoughts on the visit, the administration and what they'd say to Obama if they could.
Some were glad Obama was coming. Others disagreed with the president's proposed defense cuts. All had opinions.
"I think he's cool," said Kristin Harris. "I personally have nothing against him like everyone seems to. I'd love meet him. He seems really down to earth and nice."
"I have no bad feelings. I mean, he is president of our country and people should respect him no matter what," agreed Taryn Giumento Thomas. "Plus he is our husbands' boss. Anyway, I personally like Obama so I'm excited."
April Stubbs felt less positive about the visit. "There are a lot of things I would like to say to him," she said. "First, he was never in the military, and I don't think he has an appreciation for military lifestyle. For example he increased (insurance) co-pays, and changed the pensions to a 401(k) plan. Secondly, his health care plan blew up in his face."
Bianca Ritchey agreed. "I don't like Obama," she said. "He tried to take away their pay last year. Doesn't he think the soldiers will be angry about that?"
Actually, Obama's 2011 budget, approved by Congress, gave soldiers a 1.4-percent pay increase. However, in 2010 a bipartisan fiscal reform commission had suggested implementing a pay freeze as part of a strategy to reduce spending. The suggestion was rejected, but led to a popular misconception that Obama planned to freeze military pay.
Evelyn Lopez said she was excited by Obama's visit -- but she had a few questions she'd like to ask, too.
"I think that it's great that Obama is coming to Fort Stewart," Lopez said. "I wish I had the chance to meet him. Luckily, my husband will get to go see him speak. I don't think he's as excited as I would be if I were in his shoes. Of course, I don't have to march forever and practice for a dog-and-pony show."
Lopez said she was worried about the strategy behind the Army's planned .
"If I had the chance to ask Obama a question, I would ask him about the troop reductions. I want to know why they're kicking out perfectly good soldiers," she said. "To me that is one of the most important issues going on right now. I know that he really wouldn't do anything about that, but I think he should know the crisis that lots of soldiers and their families are going through."
The planned force reduction includes new rules that make it -- something Lopez disagreed with.
"Many of my friends have no idea what will be happening in the next year, because they don't know if their husbands will be able to re-enlist," she said. "People are scared to death and worried about their futures. People that wanted to be career soldiers are being kicked out for silly reasons. We should be getting rid of the soldiers that do not want to be here first, then the shammers."
As for the soldiers who talked to us, they saw the pragmatic side of the visit.
"I'm sure (the visit) is going to make the Friday commute crappy," said Spc. Chris Pettibone, 3rd Infantry Division.
"We've had some extra work to do while preparing for his arrival," added fellow 3rd ID soldier Pfc. Scott Harris.
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I wonder what thoroughly well informed soldiers would say about Obama's visit as opposed to President Bush's visits? I also question the purpose of Obama's visit to HAAF/FSGA? Is this another tax-payer funded campaign stop, intended to mend fences for his military cuts? Seems typically cynical to me. Robyn Steele Spouse of 30 Year Retiree & Vietnam Vet and Iraqi Freedom DA Civilian Vet "Land of the free, home of the brave."