For 10 years, the Bush family has had quite the vested interest in the Brazos Valley and Texas A&M. That includes Neil, the middle child of the 41st President, a son who takes great pride in Aggieland and in his father.

When asked whether he knows the importance of the Bush Library and Museum to the Brazos Valley, Neil said, "It's hard for me to put it into perspective. I imagine that it means a lot. I hope it means a lot. I would think it's an appendage to an already amazing institution that adds a variety, a diversity, maybe a different kind of depth."

What's deep is getting deeper...$8.3 million deeper, as renovations continue at the museum, all aimed at enriching the experience of those who come to learn the history of one of America's most famous names.

- Neil Bush Series, Part 1
- Fullhart's Blog on Trip to Bush 41's Office
- Exclusive Renovation Reports

"The entire family, Mom and Dad and all of us are very excited about the new opening, the grand reopening of this incredible facility," Neil said.

The economic aspects are still being felt, as tourism numbers in the Bryan-College Station area have risen over the life of the library, thanks in large part to the facility itself. That grand reopening only looks to further bring the big bucks to the region.

Ten years on, it might be easy to forget that Texas A&M wasn't forever earmarked for President Bush's lasting legacy. There were three major bids: A&M's, a joint proposal from the University of Houston and Rice University, and the president's alma mater, Yale.

Looking back, was A&M the right choice?

"I think it is, and it will withstand the test of time," Neil Bush answered. "College Station may not be the largest of the city populations in the state of Texas, but there's no doubt about its consistency, about the loyalty both ways, between my dad and the university, and the university and Dad."

As the son explains, it's the big name speakers and the big topic discussions since the 41st President made Aggieland a home away from home that have benefited his family, as well as the Brazos Valley. World leaders, American icons and even family members have made their way to the heart of Aggieland to speak on war, peace and everything in between.

Of course, there's more with the Bush name on it outside this neck of the woods, as Neil is quick to note.

"Every time I fly out of this part of the world, I'm flying in or out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport," notes the Houston resident and businessman. "To be able to go to the George Bush Drive for the Barbara Bush Drive to go to the Bush Museum and complex, I guess you could get kind of carried away with the name thing, but it's a great source of pride, and it's a great destination."

For a family with a great American history, major renovations and upgrades mean the stories told for 10 years will be retold, and better, especially those of a leader who shines brightest in the eyes of his son.

"It's almost as though he was born to serve," an emotional Neil said, "and so it was a God-given blessing."