The Metro is putting the final touches on everything for Tuesday's presidential visit.
President George Bush is coming to Jackson for an expensive, private luncheon and fundraiser for fellow Republican, Senator Roger Wicker.
The president is expected to arrive around Noon Tuesday and will head to a the luncheon at a Jackson home for Senator Wicker.
Governor Haley Barbour appointed Wicker to the position when Senator Trent Lott stepped down.
Wicker faces Democrat Ronnie Musgrove in the Nov. 4th special election.
From planning the special guest list and menu to enduring the intense scrutiny of the secret service, the Metro is already feeling the pressure of the Commander-in-Chief's visit.
"I knew something was going on. I thought it was a wedding reception, but apparently it's a little more than that," said Jackson resident Jim Webb.
White tents are up, the driveway is clean, and Secret Service agents are getting ready for a presidential visit. As they put on the final touches, Webb is busy hanging the flag to welcome President Bush to the neighborhood.
"I'm honored that they've chosen to be in this location. I think it's pretty special myself," said Webb.
The luncheon is private event, which is closed to the media and even the public, but the people in Jackson said they understand the reason behind it.
"I understand with the charity, you want Roger Wicker to be able to raise as much money as possible and if all the public comes, that probably wouldn't be possible," said Jackson resident Maggie Tidwell.
Tidwell and Marita Walton are also excited about the president coming to their neighborhood. They will both be freshmen this fall, and the November election will be the first time both get to vote, which makes this visit even more important to the two teens.
"It's very important. I'm very excited because it's going to be my first time that I can have a say on what's going on," said Walton.
The city is ready for the president's visit. Law enforcement is ready to go if the Secret Service needs them, and UMC is also on stand-by in case there are any health concerns with the president.
A local American Red Cross volunteer will greet President Bush when he arrives Tuesday. Cameron Fox, 71, is also the recipient of the President's Volunteer Service Award.
Fox has been a volunteer ever since she retired in 1999 from being a psychiatric nurse. She's helped in numerous disasters including 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and the latest train wreck in Copiah County.
"It's very exciting, and I feel like it's for all the volunteers," said Fox.
It's a once in a lifetime accomplishment for Fox, and it's an award President Bush himself will be presenting to Fox Tuesday.
"Everybody likes to be recognized, and it's important to get that recognition cause they work so hard," said Fox.
Fox believes awards such as this one want to make volunteers like her work even harder.
"You just feel so connected when you help people who are in a disaster because they're starting their life over again," said Fox.
Fox has a bad knee and because of that, she's more of a counselor now rather than a volunteer responding to scenes. But nevertheless, she said she'll continue to devote her time to the people.
"I plan on volunteering till I just get so old that you know it's so hard to get around in my wheelchair," said Fox.
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