Despite having had staggeringly bad luck for most of his young life, ten-year-old Jose Gomes is now one of the fortunate ones.

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In front of you, you have the joint crew of Endeavour and the Space Station, and we are the ones that are fortunate enough to be able to accomplish this great mission together in space.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama's call to the International Space Station

But while the storm was raging outside, I was fortunate to meet with some of the families, friends and veterans who had come to honor loved ones who had given their lives in service of this nation.

WHITEHOUSE: Honoring the Troops on Memorial Day