Bush says working with vets helps him cope
(CNN) – Asked whether President George W. Bush's work with veterans helps him cope with what happened in Afghanistan and Iraq - two wars that started during his presidency - the former President said there's "no question it helps."
"I have a duty," he continued in an interview that aired Sunday on ABC's "The Week." "Obviously, I get slightly emotional talking about our vets, because I have an emotional - I'm in there with them.
Follow @politicalticker Follow @KilloughCNN
"My spirit is always uplifted when I visit with vets," he added. "There's no self-pity. We've got a society that's incredibly comfortable and too many people saying, 'Oh, man, woe is me.' Not our veteran community. They don't say 'woe is me.' They say 'What can I do to continue to serve?' "
Bush keeps a low profile but occasionally emerges in the spotlight, mostly to highlight veterans, whether that's through a public event or simply playing golf or going mountain biking with wounded veterans.
More than 50,000 U.S. and coalition forces have been wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq, and 8,211 have died.
Bush headlined an event last week drawing attention to a need to bridge what he called the "civilian-military divide."
It's "troubling" that 84% of veterans say the public isn't aware of the challenges they face and that 71% of Americans agree, Bush said, citing a survey by the Bush Institute and Syracuse University to be released this year.
Speaking at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas with second lady Jill Biden, Bush called on higher education institutions and employers to do more when it comes to educating and hiring veterans.
CNN's Leigh Ann Caldwell contributed to this report.
From CNN Politics
- Trump on Covid death toll: 'It is what it is' August 4, 2020 01:12 pm
- Birx stung by first public attack from Trump August 4, 2020 02:07 pm
- Trump cites Lewis' decision to not attend inauguration to downplay legacy of civil rights icon August 4, 2020 01:46 pm
- Trump continues to lose ground in 2020 election as nation grapples with coronavirus August 3, 2020 09:50 pm
- Primaries in Michigan, Kansas and Missouri: 6 things to watch Tuesday August 4, 2020 01:10 pm
- NY prosecutors say Trump investigation extends beyond hush money payments August 3, 2020 11:29 pm
Has W mentioned anything about the war in Iraq being unnecessary? Such a price our soldiers had to pay for his lie.
Hope it helps relieve his guilt...
Good for him- maybe he gets to assess his role in how the veterans got the way they are- then perhaps he needs to become their advocate. Certainly the GOP isn't.
He doesn't deserve to "feel better." His crimes are so vast, he should have been in jail long ago. His actions have led to millions suffering/dying and he lied us into a Horrific war. He is a war criminal.
Bush needs to be tried as a war criminal. He has cost so many, unnecessarily, their lives and peace of mind. As for his guilt, he is obviously feeling it seep out through his tough, rotten hide. He should be in prison. Maybe then we could all begin to feel there is some justice in the world.
Why don't you liberal morons ask the Military how they feel about Bush? They certainly prefer him over Obama
Does he just now realize the mistake it was to go to war with Iraq? Where's the WMDs? At the time there were demonstrations all over the world NOT to go to war. The coalition was a farce.
Oh yeah, by the way Georgie... guess what? There are vets (and many, many more innocent citizens) in Iraq too!
This might be his damned feelings. But how does he expect these vets to feel about him.
Do I care this guy? Neh!
Nice way to salve your guilt when you are the one responsible for putting them where they are today. Especially when you did it for no good reason on earth except "Well, he tried to kill my daddy."
How much did two ten year wars cost America ?
I'm sure GW is making the rounds with "Dick" Cheney , Donald Rumsfeld and Paul Wolfowitz .
More than 50,000 U.S. and coalition forces have been wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq, and 8,211 have died.
What ever happened to Ahmed Chalabi ?
I wonder how many of them secretly want to throw shoes at you. They're better men than you George!
W wants to help Vets get educated and hired. Maybe W could tell the Republicans in Congress to work with our President to create more jobs for ALL Americans. I think the Vets would appreciate that more than a plan to hire a Vet instead of someone else. Jobs for ALL.
Particularly, support Obama's plan for an Infrastructure Jobs Bill, to spend money rebuilding OUR country.
How bout it, W??
YES Bush had to make really tough choices to save us from more hijack planes an islamic terrorist ! That attack in itsself stalled the Economy . Its sad that Bill Clinton did n0t take Bin Laden when Yemen had him jailed they had him! they had him ! But Bill was doing ??? And yes thts about the the time BIlL was GIvEing china sensitive Missile tech and n0w they are months away fr completeing one that can hit a ship 1200 miles away! Bill has regrets to ?
George, you and your puppet master, Cheney put these kids in harms way with your lies. If you want to really help, get the REPUBLICANS in political office to stop cutting veteran's benefits and provide more mental health programs and funding.
"Obama sucks = Attack Bush."
– Pathetic Liberals