1/21/13

Up at 0100 after (I think) 4 or 5 hours of sleep. A hot shower and a cup of yogurt before getting in my dress blues with thermals, two socks, and two pairs of gloves. Brewed my coffee and out the door at 0200.

We were picked up at 0230 and we were off to the Secret Service screening area to have our bus and our possessions "swept" for security. After we were deemed "clean," we boarded the bus and headed to the Capitol.

0430 we depart in Convey A, a nearly mile and a half long convey under full police escort, sirens blaring and everything. We arrive at 0500 and head into the Capitol Visitor's Center for a "heater meal" of eggs and bacon. At 0615 we headed out to the West Lawn to start our duties.

Dawn at the Capitol

 As the sun rose, the people started coming in. Two teenage boys were the first to come into my section and they were absolutely shocked that they got to sit so close. Slowly more came in. Some of the celebrities I saw were (in no particular order):

1. Jeffrey Wright
2. Kevin Frazer
3. Jesse Jackson
4. Steve Harvey
5. David Corn
6. Marlon Wayans
7. Angela Bassett
8. Soledad O'Brien
9. Nick Cannon
10. Byron Pitts

  Fairly soon, there were people everywhere and all in Section 5 had their seats. The time really flew by once the crowd entered and before you knew it, we were saluting the Commander-In-Chief as he was walking in. It was amazing to be that close and to see and hear everything first hand during the Inauguration. When it was all over, the rest of the Ushers couldn't believe how fast 11 hours can go by when you're seating over 15,000 people. 

 The next morning we went back to the Capitol and managed to get onto the platform where just 24 hours earlier the President was standing.

 This was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I will never forget and will do again if I get the chance. Over the next few weeks I'll try and post more photos and add more links.

Almost home...

I will be posting a final summary to include the Inauguration and days after when I get back to Phoenix. Thanks for your patience!

**Update**

So, I'm at the USO which is really nice here in D.C. I'm enjoying a refreshing Mountain Dew and some free WiFi. I'm glad I'm here at 1PM as my flight isn't until 5PM! So, I may post some photos...you'll just have to see. ;)

Saturday on the Mall

 We went back to the Smithsonian again to finish walking around and catch another great IMAX movie. Today we saw Hubble 3D narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio. It was really amazing seeing the images in 3D and on a huge screen. Afterwards we walked through and saw the rest of the museum including the original Wright Brothers flyer, very amazing. What's crazy is that only 60 years after that first flight, humans landed on the moon.

 After a quick lunch (and an Oreo milkshake) we headed to the Natural History Museum. It was my first time and there's no way to see everything (especially in a group), so we saw only a few exhibits. But, I did get a chance to see what I look like as a neanderthal.

 After a nice coffee and some people watching, we headed into the mall and saw all the media gearing up for the Inauguration. 

Then, my friend, Angelica and I, went to the National Day of Service and saw all the volunteer opportunities across the country.

Angela Bassett

                                               

Getting close!

 I know I haven't posted in a while, but we haven't had much chance to get off base lately. We've been practicing a lot for the big day on Monday. In fact, we had a uniform inspection this morning.

I'm in the 2nd row on the left

 Tonight we went out for lunch and ended up where all the D.C. food trucks were during the lunch rush. It was a tough decision, but I ended up getting amazing Mexican steak from a great food truck.

 After lunch we headed to the Air and Space Museum.

Watching IMAX 3D

This was a great view from the "bridge" of the Navy section.
It actually looked like you were watching planes take off.

We spent the afternoon there and went to a tiny dive bar for dinner. My Brother's Place had $1 beers that went up $0.25 every hour after 5PM. It was great!

Day at the Pentagon

 We had another personal tour set up for our group at the Pentagon. It was very interesting getting walked around by people that actually work inside the building. We were escorted by the deputies and the flag officers for the Admiral that is in charge of all the Navy Reserve Force.

 On this tour, we were able to get into some unique locations. We were met outside the Pentagon briefing area and got to go inside to see where the press conferences happen inside.

 During lunch, we were given time to "wander" around and because we were in uniform, we could do so freely. So, Terrance, Lee, and I walked up to the Chief of Naval Operations office to poke around. Although he was travelling to Brazil, he had a great Senior Chief who offered to show us around. We were able to go into his office and see where the highest ranking Navy Officer works.

Wait...that can't be it

1/14/13

 We had a brief morning after the long Sunday rehearsal. We dropped our uniforms in the cleaners so they'd be sharp for "I-Day" (Inauguration Day). On the docket was a trip to Terrance's D.C. office of the Letter Carriers of America.

 We walked down there only to find out his two co-workers happened to be out of the office that day. So, we decided to go to lunch. Lee read about this hole-in-the-wall gourmet sandwich shop and we decided to go. It was in a neighborhood I probably wouldn't come back to at night, but we made it anyway. When we came up to the corner I said, "Wait...that can't be it." Fast Gourmet was behind a Valero gas station. We went in and were surprised. It was a hip place with great food. We all ordered a Chivito and were all very happy we did.

Chivito sandwich

 After some more souvenir shopping, we headed to the Capitol City Brewing Company to have some refreshments and a good dinner. 

Amber Waves Ale

 We had a great night out and were back early as we were headed to the Pentagon in the morning.

Rehearsal

Today started at 1:30 AM after three or four hours of sleep. Today was our dress rehearsal. We boarded the bus and headed to the rally point with the rest of the branches of service. We left around 2:15AM in a convoy that was at least a mile long. It was impressive! We had police escorts and the freeway and all streets closed from the base to the Capitol.

 When we got outside, it was cold and foggy. The Capitol was empty and when we went around the back, the dome was brightly lit behind a thick wall of fog. We could barely see the Washington Monument in the back due to the fog.

 We were broken up by ranks and were told we needed to have so many E6's (my rank), E5's, etc. in each section. We are on the West lawn with a great view. In fact, if all goes to plan I will have quite the unbelievable seat for the 57th Inauguration.

Here's a better view.

Where the light post is to the right of the tower in the middle is where I'll stand.

And here's the President's view.

This is how our group will be lined up. My friend, Lee, is the last person on the right.

More Photos from CBS News of the Rehearsal

More Photos from CBS News of the Rehearsal 

This was our group right before we left for the day.

I am third from the left in the back

In the previous photo, where the President of the United States (POTUS) will be is the  semi-circle jutting out from the middle in the background. I will be directly to the left of the large tower to the right of this picture.

 We have a week left until the Inauguration, so my spot could change. But, if it doesn't, it will be one unique view to history.