Tuesday, September 11, 2012
1:41 PM
Ryan meets with members of Wisconsin's Air National Guard
Paul Ryan met with members of Wisconsin’s 128th Air National Guard refueling wing this afternoon.
After arriving at Mitchell International Airport a little after 12:30 p.m., Ryan thanked the soldiers for their service and shook hands with a few dozen of them, according to a pool report.
He asked the soldiers where they were from. When some told them they were from his congressional district, Ryan responded, “I work for you.”
Chief Master Sgt. John McFadden, of Cedarburg, gave Ryan what he called his “chief’s coin.”
“I think he’s a great guy. I really like him. I support him,” McFadden said.
Col. John Quinn told the congressman the unit was composed of “super people” doing a great job.
Ryan said the unit had a terrific reputation.
“When I go overseas we see a KC-135, they say they are the best maintained birds,” Ryan said.
Ryan is due to meet later today with first responders this afternoon at a fire house in Oak Creek. He will campaign tomorrow in De Pere.
UPDATE: Here's more of what Ryan told the Guard members, according to the pool report:
"I came here to say thanks. I live down the street in Janesville. I know a lot of you live in the area. A number of us have met over the years. I have been flying into this airport for a long time back and forth from Washington to see my family. But when we hit the ground today flying home, this day meant a bit more because this is the anniversary of 9/11. And I just wanted to come with my associates and thank each and every one of you for what you do everyday. For what you do to make us safe. For what you do to make us proud. For what you do to remember what it all counts. This is a day we should be thinking about people who give their lives and today what we are really thankful for are those who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe, for making our military, our air force, the unrivaled best in the world. It is because of your efforts, because of your bravery, because of what you do that has made us safer since that day. And I just wanted to come out and say thanks so much for all that you do. Thanks everybody, appreciate it. Go Packers!"
-- By JR Ross
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