Family comforted by Bush, but differences remain
By SCOTT WILLIAMS
swilliams@journalsentinel.com
Last Updated: Nov. 25, 2003
Brookfield - A visit with President Bush brought comfort to family members of fallen U.S. soldier Mathew Schram, but it did not mend their differences about the war in Iraq.
Presidential Meeting
Matthew Schram, 36, of Brookfield and a major in the Army, became the second Wisconsin soldier to die in Iraq when his convoy was ambushed by gunmen May 26 northwest of Baghdad.
It was awe-inspiring. It was the right thing to
do.
The Brookfield soldier's father and stepmother and four of his siblings met Monday with Bush during a ceremony in which the president paid tribute to several U.S. servicemen and servicewomen killed in Iraq.
Schram, 36, a major in the Army, became the second Wisconsin soldier to die in Iraq when his convoy was ambushed by gunmen May 26 northwest of Baghdad.
Family members said they were impressed by Bush's face-to-face contact with grieving relatives during Monday's ceremony at Fort Carson, Colo., the Army base where Schram was assigned.
"It was awe-inspiring," said Susan Kuske of Brookfield, a sister of Schram. "It was the right thing to do."
After having lunch with soldiers and addressing relatives flown to Fort Carson by the federal government, Bush met privately with the Schram family and others away from the news media.
He exchanged hugs with the relatives, signed autographs and offered comforting words.
Earl Schram of Sister Bay, Mathew Schram's father, said President Bush spent about five minutes talking with the Schram family. "He was very emotional. He said he felt our grief," Earl Schram said. "He was very kind to us. He gave my wife a little kiss."
Despite losing his son, Earl Schram said most of his family supports the U.S. effort in Iraq. "Our family will stay the course. We hope we don't turn around and go out of there," he said of Iraq.
But Robert Schram of Milwaukee, a brother of Mathew Schram, said the experience did not change his feelings that the U.S. military mission in Iraq is wrong.
"I don't dislike the president, by any means," Schram said. "I just dislike the war."
Mathew Schram, who graduated from Brookfield Central High School in 1985, is buried in Highland Memorial Park cemetery in New Berlin.
Gov. Jim Doyle attended Mathew Schram's funeral in June and declared the fallen Waukesha County soldier "the best Wisconsin has to offer."
Also in attendance Monday in Colorado were Schram's stepmother, Audrey Schram, and two other brothers, Phillip Schram of Hartland and David Schram of Hales Corners. One sister, Carol Barr of Pewaukee, was unable to make the trip.
Kuske, who said she supports Bush on the war, said the president autographed a small American flag for her and hugged her. He assured family members of several soldiers that their loved ones died for a worthy cause and that the United States would prevail in Iraq.
Kuske said she had never been to an Army base before and was intrigued to see where Mathew had served.
"I'm very proud of my brother," she said.
Despite his misgivings about the war, Robert Schram agreed that Bush's personal attention was thoughtful.
"He didn't have to do that," Schram said. "And he did seem genuine."
Mike Johnson of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.
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