Diary Entry - 12/16/1985
Key Facts
President Reagan travels to Fort Cambell, Kentucky for a memorial service for the 248 soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division killed in a recent plane crash.
President Reagan meets with Mother Teresa.
This morning we flew to Ft. Campbell Ky. home of the Screaming Eagles—the 101st Airborne. In a hangar there we were part of the memorial service for the 248 soldiers who died in the crash at Gander. I said my few words & then Nancy & I met each & every grieving “loved one,” wives, mothers & fathers, brothers & sisters & children. It was a heartbreaking time. They were all wonderful—we’ll never forget them.
Back in Wash. I went up to the Capitol & met with all our Republican Reps. It was a straight talk session with all sides having their say. I told them I was asking them to vote for a tax bill that I would veto if it reached my desk as is. If they’ll pass it my idea is that we get an improved version in the Sen. This will bring on a conference & here the Sen. will have my pledge that I wont sign the Dem. version.
Back at the W.H. I addressed a group working against drunk driving & then a meeting (brief ) with wonderful Mother Teresa. Finished the day with a private dinner at the Richard Helms’. The Deavers & the Rex Harrisons.
Meanwhile I’ve been told we have 50 Repub. Reps. who will vote for the “rule” vote on tax reform. Tip has said he’ll make a change to get the bill before the House if we get 50 Repub. votes.
