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del.icio.us'Flirting' with Bush nets a surprise kiss
BY PHYLLIS JACOBS GRIEKSPOOR
The Wichita Eagle
When President George W. Bush returned to McConnell Air Force Base late Sunday afternoon after his visit to Greensburg, a crowd of about 300 service personnel and their family members were waiting.
The crowd cheered wildly as Bush stepped from Marine One. The president strode quickly toward them, shaking hands, offering greetings and signing autographs.
Several dads lifted children to their shoulders for a better look at Bush, and those in the crowd most anxious to touch the president waved and called out.
One of them was Master Sgt. Kimberly Barnes, a 25-year veteran of the Kansas Air National Guard. Barnes' enthusiasm prompted one of her colleagues to tease her.
"Stop flirting with the president," the colleague said.
Bush heard the comment, reached over the barricade and gave Barnes a kiss on the cheek.
A half-hour later, Barnes, who serves with the 184th Intelligence Wing, was still reeling.
"My family isn't going to believe me," she said. "My cheek still tingles. Did anyone get a picture?"
Reach P.J. Griekspoor at 316-268-6660 or pgriekspoor@wichitaeagle.com.
