Widow of Soldier Highlighted in President's Address Speaks Out

This is a rush transcript from "Hannity & Colmes," September 14, 2007. This copy may not be in its final form and may be updated

ALAN COLMES, CO-HOST:

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH: Earlier this year I received an e-mail from the family of army specialist Brandon Stout of Michigan. Brandon volunteered for the National Guard and was killed while serving in Baghdad.

His family has suffered greatly, yet in their sorrow they see larger purpose. His wife, Audrey, says that Brandon felt called to serve and knew what he was fighting for.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COLMES: That was President Bush last night, spotlighting Army Specialist Brandon Stout, one of the many heroes who have valiantly served our country in Iraq.

Joining us now in a "Hannity & Colmes" exclusive, is Brandon's widow, Audrey Stout.

Thank you so much for being with us, Audrey.

AUDREY STOUT, HUSBAND KILLED IN IRAQ: Thank you for having me.

COLMES: Tell us about Brandon and your recollection. Tell us about him.

STOUT: He loved life and he lived life for God. He had such amazing faith that he played out in all areas of life. And he loved serving our country, and he believed in the mission. And he served full and wholeheartedly.

COLMES: I now there's a lot of political debate in this country and people like me who are not particularly for this war often get criticized for being critical. But part of what — if we're fighting for our freedom, part of what we're fighting for, and what — he gave his life for is to have that debate. Isn't that so?

STOUT: Yes, it is.

COLMES: And how are you doing? How are you coping?

STOUT: I am trying my best to live each and every day and taking it one day at a time. And I know he would want me to keep going in life, and I'm trying to honor that and take it one day at a time.

COLMES: What was your reaction to the mention by the president the other night?

STOUT: I was honored, and I can speak for his whole family when we say we are just completely honored that the president would choose to speak of Brandon. And he said some amazing things about Brandon that we are just so honored about.

SEAN HANNITY, CO-HOST: Hey, Audrey. It's Sean Hannity. Did you know that was going to happen?

STOUT: I only knew a couple days prior that the possibility would be there, that the president asked for our permission to use it in one of his speeches. I never dreamed it would be so soon after that conversation, that it would show up in a speech.

HANNITY: Well, you're in our thoughts and prayers. The president is right when he talks about how your family has suffered greatly. How everyone has suffered greatly.

I met a lot of families that have lost loved ones. It is a terrible, terrible price in dealing with these people that think they're doing God's will when they kill innocent people.

Let me ask you this question. When you hear the rhetoric, the political rhetoric going on, does it offend you?

STOUT: Yes, because it makes me feel like maybe his death was done in vain and he died for nothing.

HANNITY: Well, I mean — but when they attack, for example, you know, politicians saying that our troops in Guantanamo are Nazis or the terror in Iraq. They're terrorizing women and children in the dark of night or, you know, air raiding villages as Barack Obama recently said. I mean, these are attacks against these brave men that go and fight.

STOUT: Yes, it is. It's really frustrating and hurtful to hear that.

HANNITY: Yes. Let me ask you about the rest of your family. How has the rest of your family been dealing with this loss?

STOUT: We are pulling together and hanging onto our faith and encouraging each other. And we're all just taking it one day at a time.

HANNITY: Did you have a chance to meet the president? Any chance that might happen as a result of all this?

STOUT: I have no idea.

HANNITY: Would you like that to happen?

STOUT: That would be an honor.

HANNITY: Yes. It seems that you've supportive of the war effort. What do you say to those people who say, how can you be when your family has given so much?

STOUT: Because Brandon believed in the mission. We need to support our troops that are over there. We need to support them. They sacrifice so much on a daily basis, and for our freedom. And we have a lot to be thankful for.

HANNITY: God bless you and your family.

COLMES: Thank you very much for coming on with us tonight.

STOUT: Thank you.

COLMES: Thanks so much for your time.

STOUT: Thank you.

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