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An interview with General "Buck" Staudt appeared in Staudt's home town newspaper, the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.
A few quotes:
"The subject started when [Bush’s] daddy ran for vice president, and it’s been going on ever since. I don’t have much to tell. It’s simple to me. There was no political influence. That’s the truth.
"He was a good candidate, well educated. We needed pilots, and he wanted to be one."
Sitting in his office, surrounded by pictures and paintings of fighter planes, Staudt’s military reserve softened as he remembered his first encounter with the young, prospective guardsman.
"I asked him why he wanted to be a pilot, and he said it was because his daddy was one. That’s a good reason."
And, finally, this:
Staudt had no idea the young man he swore into the Guard would one day be commander in chief.
"[Bush] was just another second lieutenant fighter pilot," he said. "You never know where people will end up."
After Staudt retired in early 1972, he did not have any more contact with Bush, but he has watched him closely since 2001.
"I think he’s done a real good job [as president]. I’m proud of him. I guess I’m prejudiced, I don’t know," he said.
Staudt is looking forward to some peace now that CBS and Rather have admitted they cannot prove the memos’ authenticity. Although relieved, Staudt said he was surprised they finally decided to be honest. He never thought they would be.
From Powerline
Posted by Ted at September 22, 2004 7:55 PM