Beau Biden watched dad's victory on laptop in Texas

[Muttocracy]

http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20081107/NEWS/81107048/1007

By BETH MILLER • The News Journal • November 7, 2008

In yet another example of the continuing sacrifices made by U.S. military families, Delaware Army National Guard Capt. Joseph R. “Beau” Biden III spent election night far from the Chicago celebration where his father, U.S. Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr., was introduced as the vice president-elect.

Unlike the rest of his family, Capt. Biden -- who is also Delaware’s attorney general -- watched the festivities on a laptop at Fort Bliss, near El Paso, Texas, where he and 114 other members of the 261st Signal Brigade are preparing for deployment to Iraq.

Maj. General Frank Vavala, state adjutant general, said he spoke with Sen. Biden on Thursday before the Return Day Parade in Georgetown and promised to send photos of Beau taken Tuesday night by the unit’s chaplain, Lt. Col. Edward Brandt.

Vavala shook his head and said he felt for the entire Biden family, as he does for all families who are separated during important events because of deployments.

“Here’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, when your father becomes vice president of the United States,” Vavala said. “What a magnificent example of service. He has put his country first. It speaks volumes about that young man’s character.”

Beau Biden was not available for interviews, but sent a brief prepared statement.
“I am extremely proud of my dad and mom, and President-Elect and Mrs. Obama,” he wrote. “While this is a special time for our families, it is an even more profound moment for our country. It was extraordinary to watch."

The 261st ships out in about two weeks, Vavala said. They are scheduled to return next September.

[PatSeg]

1. I didn't realize that Beau was still in the U.S.

Its too bad he couldn't have been in Chicago on election night.

[ellacott]

2. They could have given him a one day leave

[PatSeg]

4. You'd think

The circumstances certainly were extraordinary.

Love your sig line! Never heard that one before.

[ellacott]

6. Thanks

A caller on the Stephanie Miller show said it and I looked it up. :)

[AspenRose]

11. I thought he refused....

:shrug:

[jillan]

3. I'm so glad that Beau got to at least watch - and even more happy that

Joe and Jill know he was there watching.

In two weeks, huh?
Please bring him home safe - and soon.

[PatSeg]

5. Being the son of the new VP,

I'm sure they will not allow him in harm's way.

I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Beau Biden. He has a big future in politics I think.

[Jennicut]

7. I read that Beau chose not to go. What a guy and what a family.

He didnt want special treatment. But I do hope he gets good protection in Iraq, he could be a target even though he won't see any combat.

[Eurobabe]

8. I love that Beau

What a total cutie. :loveya:

[Debi]

9. *cough* cougar *cough*

:P

[Eurobabe]

10. well at least I'm not a puma!

;)

[Debi]

13. HA! No one in this group is a PUMA - we all came together to support JRB!

(some of us to ensure that his children would remain in the national spotlite for the next eight years.....:P)

Okay...that's not the only reason...but a darn good one!

[AspenRose]

12. Bwahaha

Beau is around my age. :-)

[Debi]

14. I was born in '68 so we're close to the same age and Hunter just a year or so younger

*sigh*

[AspenRose]

15. We're the same age!

*fist bump*