OWSLEY COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) – The passing of President Bush was heartbreaking for one Owsley County man, who worked with the him all four years in the White House.
“The emotion was, like I said, losing a grandparent, even though he was the President of the United States. Me and my family still thought of him as grandparents,” said Mark Edwards.
This was an Owsley County man’s White House badge while working for the Bush administration. Hear his personal anecdotes about the late president at 6. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/hVVUZBmfRE
— Alexa Helwig (@AlexaHelwig) December 2, 2018
Mark Edwards says he was just a country boy from Boonesville, Kentucky, when he was put to work for the 41st president’s White House communications agency.
As an active member of the military, he was one of nearly five chosen for the job.
“Did not know what to expect. Excited but scared at the same time, never ever been to Washington D.C. before,” said Edwards.
Although working for the president was a lot of hard work, he can’t help but remember how personable the Bush family was.
Edwards recalls a Sunday afternoon that he brought his daughter to play horseshoes with the president.
“Mrs. Bush always treated her like a granddaughter. I always go back to those memories and I cherish those memories of them being so personal with the staff,” said Edwards.
And traveling with him wasn’t such a bad gig either…
“A huge country music fan. I got to go with him to the CMA Awards back in the early 90’s,” said Edwards.
This weekend it was hard for Edwards to think through the memories he shared with Bush, knowing that his role model has passed.
“It’s a blessing to know he’s not suffering anymore, but at the same time, a huge loss for this country,” said Edwards.
