President Obama touches down at Whiteman

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  President Barack Obama touched down at Whiteman Air Force Base July 24, 2013, on his way to give a speech at the University of Central Missouri in nearby Warrensburg.

Once he stepped off Air Force One, Obama greeted 509th Bomb Wing leadership before greeting more than 50 Whiteman warriors who are responsible for operating the world's only B-2 Spirit fleet.

"I saw the president of the United States get off Air Force One and make his way over to the crowd, but actually shaking his hand was a surreal moment," said Airman 1st Class Eric Olivero, a customer service technician with the 509th Comptroller Squadron. "It's still hard to believe it happened. I was so honored to be one of the select few from Whiteman who got the opportunity to meet him."

Another Airman at Obama's arrival played a key role in parking Air Force One - Staff Sgt. Cole Adams, a 509th Maintenance Squadron aircrew ground equipment specialist who laid down the chocks.

"It was such an honor to be chosen by my leadership to be a part of this. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Adams.

Although the crowd was full of Airmen of all ranks who were excited for a chance to see the president, some were more thrilled than others.

"As a younger Airman, it's exceptionally exciting to shake the hand of our commander in chief," said Airman 1st Class Mason Meherg, also a 509th CPTS customer service technician. "It will be a great story to tell throughout my Air Force career."

Obama's speech at UCM was the first-ever visit there by an incumbent president, and his first visit to Missouri since 2011. The final stop on his three-state tour will be Jacksonville, Fla.