The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, University Libraries, PO Box 26170, Greensboro NC 27402-6170, 336.334.5304 -- http://library.uncg.edu/
Full-text transcript
January 6, 1989
Dear Paula:
Anyone who is truly devoted to public service is unlikely to think of himself or herself as indispensible, but, if that word applies to anyone I've encountered these past eight years, it's the staff of the White House Military Office and support units. The range of duties you perform and the all-hours demands on your skills and experience are truly extraordinary. Whatever the job and the time frame, you're always ready and you've always come through.
The modern Presidency relies in countless ways on the professional conduct of military support activities. I mean not only the responsibilities you bear as a direct result of the President's role as Commander in Chief, but also the traditional part you have come to play in the daily functioning of the White House and at a host of official events. Members of the Armed Forces represent our Nation's finest, and they help us put our best foot forward. You give witness to a proud heritage, and you add to it immeasurably.
Of course, you give the greatest portion of your efforts to the cause of freedom and to the carrying out of duties essential to the safety of the President and to the security of our country. I never leave home without you, and the communications facilities you maintain and continually upgrade have given me virtually instant access to any post or person I must reach throughout the globe. You supply a margin of confidence that makes the whole Free World breathe easier.
Finally, there are the personal services every President comes to count on, from medical care to R and R at Camp David to the best mess this side of heaven�all these and more will form some of the fondest memories of my years in office. Yes, seeing you at work�and, oftentimes, not seeing you at work but sensing all you've done behind the scenes to make my job easier�I've come to a deeper appreciation of this land we love and to an even profounder hope for its future. Thank you for all you've done. You make your countrymen, and this countryman of yours, very proud indeed. God bless you, and God bless America.
