Frey

The Marine Corps emblem and yellow ribbon drew the attention of a congressman's wife and, ultimately, kind words from former President Bush.

Cincinnati Police Lt. Kimberly Frey was working the plainclothes detail providing security for the former president arriving at the airport for Opening Day when Jane Portman, wife of U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park, asked about the ribbon and emblem she wears.

They are worn to honor her 19-year-old son, Marine Lance Cpl. Anthony (Tony) Frey, she said. Tony Frey is fighting in Iraq with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, also known as Task Force Tarawa. The 2001 Oak Hills High graduate joined up on his 18th birthday saying he wanted to "do my part."

A word from the congressman's wife to the congressman resulted in a brief meeting with the former commander-in-chief when he arrived at the ballpark for the game.

"God loves those Marines," she recalls Bush saying.

"Let me tell you," he said, "it's an honor to have your son in the Marine Corps.

"Your boy will be home safely.'"

Karen Andrew