The President of the United States Visits Riyadh, Saudi Arabia!

          Today was an exciting day, at least for me, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia!  Names were submitted from two different Army units.  Thirty-five from my unit made the “cut” to go see the President of the United States (POTUS), Barack Obama!

            Imagine the excitement! After two short bus rides, we arrived at the Ritz Carlton, known for its uncompromising luxury and beautiful esthetics. President Obama was in Riyadh to visit His Excellency King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz (Custodian of the two Holy Mosques) to discuss nuclear negotiations with Iran and the Syrian civil war. The Secretary of State, John Kerry was also in attendance.

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           The President was also here to honor Maha Al Muneef, the executive director of the National Family Safety Program. She was selected to receive an award for her empowerment of woman and her campaign against domestic violence in Saudi Arabia.

            I didn't get the opportunity to say all that I had rehearsed if I were given the chance to talk to President Obama, but I did receive a hearty handshake from him………one in which I will never forgot!

All the best,

GMarie