George W. Bush on sacrifice: |
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February 1968: Bush takes an Air Force officers test. Scores in 25th percentile in the pilot aptitude portion. Declares that he does not wish to serve overseas. |
May 27, 1968: Bush enlists in Texas Air National Guard. Aided by Texas House Speaker Ben Barnes, he jumps over waiting list. He pledges two years of active duty and four years of reserve duty. |
June 9, 1968: Bush’s student deferment expires. Bush on why the Air National Guard took him: |
September 1968: After basic training, Bush pulls inactive duty to act as gopher on Florida Senator Edward J. Gurney’s campaign. November 1968: |
November 1969: Bush is flown to the White House by President Nixon for a date with daughter Tricia. December 1969: |
March 1970: Bush gets his wings. June 1970: |
November 3, 1970: George Bush Sr. loses Senate election to Lloyd Bentsen, whose son is also in the “Champagne Unit.” November 7, 1970: |
January 1971: The Guard begins testing for drugs during physicals. Spring 1971: |
May 26, 1972: Transfers to Alabama Guard unit so he can work on Senator William Blount’s reelection campaign. According to his commanding officer, Bush never shows up for duty while in Alabama, nor can anyone confirm he ever serves in the Guard again. |
August 1972: Bush is grounded for missing a mandatory physical. November 1972: |
December 1972: In D.C. for the holidays, Bush takes 16-year-old brother Marvin drinking and driving. Confronted by father, Bush suggests they settle it “mano a mano.” October 1, 1973: |