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Aboard The USS
Constellation
Recently, I had the distinct
pleasure of being invited aboard the USS Constellation CV-64 for
an overnight visit. What an incredible experience!
 We
were flown from San Diego to the "Connie" (which was
about 100 miles off the California shores) aboard a C-2A
Greyhound, which is part of the COD squadrons "Carrier
Onboard Delivery" service to the fleet. The CODs provide
mail, parts, and in our case, invited visitors to the fleet.
Once on board the COD, we were
seated facing backwards in a very tight space. Helmet and
goggles, (cranials) were provided, along with flight vest and
restraint harnesses,  which
went over the shoulders and waist to hold the passenger firmly
in place during the
 Once
on board the Constellation, we watched "flight ops"
during both the day and night. I have to tell you, watching an
F-14 Tomcat being catapulted from the ships flight deck into the
darkness of the night, with it's two afterburners glowing like
diamonds will be something I'll never forget.
 However,
the real highlight of my visit was meeting some of our nation's
young men and women who carry out their military duties in such
a professional and dedicated way. If the future of our country
is in our youth, then we have nothing to fear. For these sailors
are an amazing group of highly professional individuals who work
together as a solid team to accomplish the tasks and missions of
an aircraft carrier.
 I
would like to express my appreciation to Deputy PAO Joe Ciokon,
and our tour guides, AOC(AW) Mike Bornstein, Lt.Darryl James,
Chaplain Ben Orchard, LTjg Flack Maguire and LTjg Mike Murray
for their expert and highly informative tour of the USS
Constellation.
At The White
House
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60'
evergreen wreath which hangs on the Truman Balcony. At
night it is lit with thousands of blue lights.
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Since 1990, I have been privileged
to be a part of a group of volunteers who gather in Washington,
D.C. at the most famous address in the nation, 1600 Pennsylvania
Ave., and decorate this grand house for the Christmas Holidays.
The White House Flower Shop staff, headed up by Nancy Clarke,
works throughout the year with the First Lady to decide the
"Christmas Theme." Beginning on the Monday after
Thanksgiving, the volunteers join the regular staff for a week
full of hard work, and great fun. We make each evergreen wreath,
hang the hundreds of feet of fresh garland, and trim the trees
in the Executive Residence, as well as the East and West Wing
Offices. The volunteers come from all over the country, and some
have been giving their time for more than 20 years, beginning
with the Carter Administration.
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| National
Park Service worker wrapping garland on the North
Portico chandelier. |
The
completed decoration. |
My first year was during the Bush
Presidency. Mrs. Bush would often come down late at night,
attired in a jogging outfit, with her constant canine companion,
"Millie" at her side. She was always curious as to
what we were doing, and to see how we were progressing. And
would often join in the decorating fun.
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| In
the Red Room of The White House with First Lady Barbara
Bush, 1991 |
With
First Lady Hillary Rodam Clinton, and Head White House
Florist Nancy Clarke, 1993 |
For several years, I have been the
fortunate one to put the star or angel on top of the tree in the
Oval Office. In that moment, I realize I'm the only person in
the country to have such an honor.
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The
Blue Room tree, 1998.
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Standing
next to one of the trees I helped with in the Diplomatic
Receiving Room, 1998.
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The Presidents who have occupied
this historic room have run the gamut from the very great, to
those who, in my opinion, have not realized the impact of their
actions and unwise decisions. It is hallowed ground, and life
changing decisions which have affected every citizen of the
world have been made here. It requires and demands dignity,
honor, and respect.
If you are ever in Washington during December, make sure you
stop in for one of the Christmas White House Tours. You'll see a
bit of my handiwork wherever you look.
As a "footnote," each volunteer pays for his or her
own transportation, housing, and meals during their D.C. stay.
No taxpayer money is spent on this yearly project.
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| Marine
One, President and First Lady on board, heading to
Andrews Air Force Base to board Air Force One. |
Marine
One lifting off from the South Lawn of the White
House. |
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