Dad of American rescued tells CBS News:"It sounds corny but I really am proud to be an American"

[Pirate Smile]

@CBSNews: Dad of American rescued in Somalia tells CBS News:"It sounds corny but I really am proud to be an American"

Rescued American's dad "proud" of the U.S.


American aid worker Jessica Buchanan is seen in a photo from the Danish Refugee Council. (Danish Refugee Council)

The father of Jessica Buchanan, the American rescued by Navy SEALs in Somalia along with a Dutch colleague this weekend, said in an interview with CBS News that the 93 days he hadn't spoken to his daughter were difficult for him and his family.
John Buchanan told CBS News that he finally got her on the phone right after President Obama called following his State of the Union address on Tuesday night.

"She said, 'Daddy, I love you, and I'll be fine. I'm OK.' It was just after, over 93 days and I hadn't spoken to her. It was pretty amazing and incredible that she's fine and (the SEAL teams) were able to do something and get her," Buchanan said. "We're just extremely grateful to God first, and to the U.S. government. They've been great throughout this whole thing - from the first day there were there, supporting us."

-snip-


President Obama, accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, is seen on a phone call at the Capitol in Washington Jan. 24, 2012, immediately after his State of the Union address, informing John Buchanan that his daughter Jessica was rescued by U.S. special operations forces in Somalia.
(Credit: AP Photo/White House)

-snip-
"He said, 'John, this is Barack Obama. I've got some really good news for you. Your daughter Jessica has been rescued and evacuated by our SEAL team and she's on her way home.' He said he empathized with me, having two daughters, and said something to the effect of how proud he was that our young people would go help these other people."

Buchanan says he is very thankful for all that was done for his family.
"I love my daughter," Buchanan said. "I'm just thrilled that she's ok and she's back. It sounds corny but I really am proud to be an American. We are the greatest country in the world, with the best resources. And I'm grateful to be an American."


http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57366361/rescued-americans-dad-proud-of-the-u.s/

[pintobean]

1. There's nothing corny about it. n/t

[FreakinDJ]

2. Funny how a REAL President can make feel that way

We had quite a "Dry Spell" from 2000 to 2008

[Bonobo]

3. Not corny so much as misplaced as it is based on the performance of special ops.

If you want to feel pride in your country, I think it would be better for it to be based on:

-How it treats its poor, elderly, minorities
-How equal the society is in terms of wealth and resource distribution
-The education of its citizens
-The freedom of its press

Rather than:
-The strength of its military

[msanthrope]

9. Lighten up, Francis! nt

[BOHICA12]

16. A Kick for Sergeant Hulka! nt

[Toucano]

4. That's soooo sweeet!

Especially on the same day the last "American" murderer of 24 unarmed civilians walks with less than a slap on the wrist.

The pride should be boiling over about now.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/25/justice/california-iraq-trial/

[Auntie Bush]

6. I'm surprised he never said he was grateful to Obama.

He was grateful to the USA, FBI, our resources and God. But, he never said boo about Obama! And I know how much Rethugs hate to give Obama credit for anything. I couldn't help but wonder if he was a Republican. Am I reading more into his comments than I should? Maybe he was just in shock!

[malaise]

8. I noticed that as well

We'll see

[phylny]

10. Evidently, the dad lives in my county in Virginia.

He's probably a Republican, yes.

[sufrommich]

7. Nothing corny about it. A relieved Dad happy

to get his daughter back and proud of the people who risked their lives to do it.

[provis99]

11. and what if they botched the mission?

I take it his "pride" is contingent on success.

[KaryninMiami]

12. Lovely story-- and what a beautiful photo

It sure does feel good to feel proud of my country again.

[ZombieHorde]

13. I don't really understand being proud about something one has little to do with.

It is like being proud of one's ethnicity or the sports team in one's city. I don't get it.

[applegrove]

14. There have been more and more kidnappings in that part of Africa. Really bold action

by the president that will serve, and was meant to serve, as a deterrant. Audacity for sure.

[jaxx]

15. I love happy endings.

Thanks PS, what a great story.