An Abilene man was one of 10 selected soldiers who received a call from President Bush Christmas Eve.

Master Sgt. John Gahan, of the 40th Airlift Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, talked to Bush Sunday evening, said his wife, Karen Gahan.

John Gahan is deployed to Al Muthana Air Base in Iraq and provides training to new Iraqi C-130 fleet aviators, according to a White House press release.

John Gahan knew about the call a week beforehand and was very excited about the conversation, his wife said. During the call, Bush thanked Gahan for his service to the country and for his sacrifices, she said.

Afterward, the call was patched through to Corpus Christi so THAT John Gahan could speak with his father, which also was a special treat, Karen Gahan said. They don't have a recording of the conversation with Bush, but her husband has photos of himself on the phone with Bush, she said. A commander nominated John Gahan for the phone call, Karen Gahan said.

It's been a hard year for the couple, whose 17-year-old son died in a car wreck several months ago.

''A lot of things went on in our lives this year - this was a nice thing for John,'' she said.

- Staff Report

EDITED BY: LORETTA FULTON; COPY EDITED BY: JEFF WOLF; HEADLINE BY: JEFF WOLF