Bush Makes Surprise Appearance At Randolph Church Service

SAN ANTONIO -- President George W. Bush attended a worship service Sunday at a chapel at Randolph Air Force Base, surprising many in attendance.

The chaplain, Col. David Schroeder, said, "We usually make new people stand up and introduce themselves." Everyone laughed at that, and then he announced the president. Bush stood along with the entire, clapping congregation.

Bush attended the church service after geeting an update about the federal response to Hurricane Rita from military leaders. He heard from Lt. Gen. Robert Clark, joint military task force commander for Hurricane Rita, and Maj. Gen. John White, a task force member, who described search and rescue operations after Hurricane Katrina as a "train wreck."

Military officials told Bush that the U.S. needs a national plan to coordinate search and rescue efforts following natural disasters or terrorist attacks.

Bush said he is interested in whether the Defense Department should take charge in massive national disasters.

The president arrived Saturday at Randolph on Marine One. He was met by an entourage of local leaders, led by San Antonio Mayor Phil Hardberger and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff.

Bush praised Hardberger and Wolff for their work in providing shelters for thousands of evacuees from Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.

"I cannot thank you enough and the people of this city enough for providing safe haven for people whose lives were turned upside down by this horrific storm," Bush said.

Wolff said he was grateful for Bush's complement.

"I think it's great where he can come and see a city and recognize us for the work that we did," Wolff said.

Bush is scheduled to leave Randolph on Sunday afternoon and leave for Baton Rouge, La., before headed back to Washington.