The Carter Center, in partnership with Emory University- is a stand for Waging Peace, Fighting Disease, Building Hope- very committed to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. The Center was founded in 1982 by Jimmy and Roslyn Carter. It is built on 37 acres, 2 miles from downtown Atlanta. We had been to the Center years ago and Bubs has worked here many times back in the day when he was stationed in Atlanta but the recent renovation (they completely gutted the Center in 2009) really took it to the next level.
IN THE LINE OF FIRE
We so enjoyed the brand new -first of its kind-Secret Service Display. The display will be traveling to the other Presidential Libraries. Hey, shouldn't they all have their own? I have to hand it to Mr. Tom Johnson (former CEO of CNN and a friend and fan of the Secret Service) as he spearheaded the effort and raised the dough for the exhibit. Rocky and Bubs enjoyed reminiscing about the old CAT days (Counter Assault Team- for those in shape tough guys). Maybe that's how Bubba wore out those knees? And yes EVERY Presidential Library should have this USSS display as the USSS is a key part of any President's tenure. Most folks are very curious about the life and job of a US Special Agent so I know it would be popular with visitors. Further, I think some of these retired agents could do a super job giving an occasional lecture at the respective library chatting about the Agency and their career. And I know there would be many of the guys/gals who would be willing to do this. Shout out to the AFAUSSS- are you interested in getting that ball rolling?
The exhibit was well done and special acknowledgements were made by Mr. Johnson. Did you know Abraham Lincoln created the Secret Service 5 days post the end of the Civil War in 1865? The main mission was suppressing counterfeiting- no not of Luis Vuitton silly- the U.S. currency. And sadly he ended up being assassinated. After the assination of President McKinley in 1901, Congress informally requested that the SS protect the President and a year later the SS assumed full time responsibility for Presidential Protection in 1902. In 1968, as a result of Robert F Kennedy's assassination, Congress authorized protection of major Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates and nominees. And don't forget about the spouses of deceased Presidents and their kids ( until they are 18 years old). In 1994 a law was passed stating that Presidents entering office after 1997 would have SS protection for only 10 years after leaving office (as opposed to life time protection). And post 9/11- The U.S. Patriot Act- named the SS to establish a nationwide network of Electronic Crimes Task Forces (ECTF's) to investigate and prevent attacks on financial and critical infrastructures in the U.S. And most recently, 2009, expanding this role into Europe.
Well there's the Mrs. and Navy Man (Jimmy was an Annapolis grad) on their wedding day and the actual clothing worn. Tiny dress- of course Boca's was tiny too. Grrrr. Bubs and Boca enjoy visiting the Presidential Libraries. As a matter of fact the National Archives recently distributed a PASSPORT TO PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARIES (much like the passport for the National Parks). When Bubs saw me buy one in the gift shop he moaned oh no, I see another Bucket List item being added. Our favorite so far and of course is the Reagan Library in California. But I must say they did a hellova job here at the Carter Center with that recent renovation.
Here's Bubs with the Center's Director, Jay Hakes. Jay not only did an outstanding job on the Center's rehab and upgrade but also wrote a fascinating book "DECLARATION OF ENERGY INDEPENDENCE" and recently served as Director for Policy and Research, National Commission on the BP Horizon Oil Spill and Off Shore Drilling 2010-2011. I can see why Jay made the Best of Atlanta Hall of Fame. Not only a southern gentlemen but oh so interesting. Did you know there are 13 Presidential libraries spread across the country? The Presidential Libraries of the National Archives are not libraries in the usual sense. They are archives and museums, bringing together in one place the documents and artifacts of a President and his administration- presenting them to us for study and discussion without regard for political consideration or affiliations.
Good ol' President Roosevelt surveyed the vast quantities of papers and other materials he and his staff accumulated. In the past, Presidential papers had been lost, destroyed, sold for profit, or ruined by poor storage condition. Roosevelt established a public repository to preserve the historical materials of his Presidency for future generation. Beginning a tradition that continues to this day. In 1955, Congress institutionalized this policy through the Presidential Libraries Act- amended in 1986. And the line up is: 1. Herbert Hoover/Iowa 2. Franklin Roosevelt/ Hyde Park, NY 3. Harry Truman/ Independence, Mo 4. Dwight Eisenhower/ Abilene/Kansas 5. John F. Kennedy/ Boston, Mass. 6. LBJ/ Austin, Texas 7. Richard Nixon/ Yorba Linda, Calif. 8. Gerald Ford/ Ann Arbor, Mi 9. Jimmy Carter/here 10. Ronald Regan/ Simi Valley, Calif 11. George Bush/ College Station, Texas 12 Clinton/ Little Rock, Arkansas 13 GWBush/ Dallas, Texas. Have you been to any of them? Which is your favorite?
Don't forget Jimmy won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work "to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts." And here is a surprise- yes Bubba andBoca voted for him in 1975. Who'da thunk it? Yes, that was the last time we voted for a Democrat. We are very impressed with President Carters work in eradicating the Guinea Worm.
Yes that is a worm coming out of the foot of a person in Africa. Ewwww! Keep up the good work with the Worms Jimmy. This parasitic infection is caused by the nenatode roundworm. How do they get it? Drinking contaminated water. The Carters began this eradication program in 1986. At the time there were 3.5 million people in 21 countries infected and by 2010 there were less than 1,800 folks/4 countries that had Guinea Worm disease. Way to go Jimmy! Interesting fact, the first country he worked with was Pakistan...go figure.
JEWELRY BOX DIPLOMACY
Boca's fav spot in the Center was the special exhibition "READ MY PINS" by Madeline Albright. My friend Jan in Nashville shared the book with me and chatted about the unique Madeline Albright, so I was delighted to see the collection at the Carter Center. This traveling collection and exhibit of 200 of Madeline's pins is right up Boca's alley. Secretary of State (1997) Albright wore pins (brooch- hey what is the diff between a pin and a brooch? some say size) to communicate a message or mood during her diplomatic tenure. Love that jumbo flag with Mr. North Korea.
"I found that jewelry had become a part of my personal diplomatic arsenal."- READ MY PINS! Of course Boca appreciated the more lavish and outspoken pieces- as she is not too keen on demure jewelry. Take note Bubs. An engaging exhibit and it will continue to travel. Recommended by Boca. Bubba is praying that my looking at all those pins will not inspire me to start collecting another form of jewelry...hmmm.
LUNCHEON AT THE CARTER CENTER
A tasty luncheon buffet was provided and a beautiful day to sit outside and enjoy the pond and grounds. Of course the best part was the continuation of catching up with fellow Agents and their spouses. Many of the Agents have gone on to successful second careers in private and public positions. And my favorite group- the RRA-Really Retired Agent. The stories from many years ago flowed. Bless their memories!
We also enjoyed the lively Magic Show by former Agent Bill Slade. He performed several shows for the gang. He told me he practices 2 hours a day and has been performing for the guys all of his career as well. Thank you Bill- you are a Masterful Magician!
EVENING GALA AND DINNER/OMNI HOTEL
And now for a little headache in a bottle- oops I mean the dinner party. Bubba told Scott that he made Boca promise to not go crazy this year at the silent auction as much of the "stuff" she bought last year is still in boxes in the garage. Kill joy. Oh no! Since she has learned to play the air guitar....she now wants Jimmy Buffets signed guitar. Step away from the tables Boca! But Beth Gillooly thinks Boca should have it. You betcha Beth!
Rocky and his posse...that Agent Couple again. Still smiling. Who knew. While Bubba Wagner chews the fat with a real retired Agent...I'm older than dirt. No Wagner, I'm older than dirt and can still drink you under the table. It's always an adventure being with Bubba Wagner. Oddly, he and Boca did not get into any trouble this get together-no Tomfoolery? Could it be some of that "old" thing?
The question the week before the event was who is the Silver Fox (Fisak) bringing to the reunion? We were all delighted to see last years model Jamie- again. Yea! Bubba Collins mugs it up with the hotties- Laura and Eileen. Both of these gals are fun, fun, fun and funny.
SWIFT JUSTICE WITH NANCY GRACE-our featured speaker...
After finishing up the Casey Anthony Trial and quitting Swift Justice and while preparing for her Dancing With The Stars debut next week our guest speaker- Georgia Peach and former prosecutor and televangelist- oops I mean television commentator was the "feature speaker" at the dinner. She's all about victims rights and being able to tote a gun. This CNN gal gave an "unusual " speech- no make that Odd? "What was she thinking?" Well, maybe it was me. Normally, by this time in the evening I've had a few martini's and a little vino and can't remember who said what ( remember last year with me hugging and whispering in Bill Clinton's ear- oy). From the look on Mike P's face he must have found his fellow Georgians speech a little perplexing as well...
Maybe it's all those sequins and Dancing With The Stars preparation?? Someone asked if appearing with Chaz Bono bothered her? And she quipped, "I'm a lot less concerned with what he has in his pants than what he's got in his shoes." You go Nancy! Boca pleaded with Nance to give Bubba a dance lesson. "Oh Boca, I would love to as I have heard he could use a few but I've got to run home to my twins and change some diapers ." You go Nancy and good luck with Dancing With The Stars. And don't worry that liberal b.s.in Los Angeles is not contagious.
And speaking of dancing- go Bubba Wagner, I mean Uncle Bob. With one of the twins...those hottie Wagner girls are a laugh riot and do their best to keep their Uncle in line. Yeah, good luck with that! Oh fellas, the twins are single and ready to mingle. Any interest, just give ol'Boca the Matchmaker a call. "Girls" it was great to be with you over the weekend- still gorgeous, chic and lots of fun. Come see us in Florida.
And the party continued....
Bubs really enjoys reconnecting with fellow Agents. And what about you guys that aren't here? What's up with that? I told Bubs he has to start a campaign now for next years reunion in Santa Barbara. He promised an email and phone call blitz would ocur soon.
Eileen Del Monaco gives Karen Alswang some what for "of course the Italian Wine is the best!" While the Pritchard's and Scott Alswang place bets on the winner. As a matter of fact the gang decided to tag along to with Del's to Italy in 2013. Is Italy ready for a pack of these retired agents? The Amalfi coast will never be the same. Mama Mia is right.
AND A HUGE THANK YOU AND HUG... to the brawn and brains of this oh so well done and Secret Service celebration reunion. Cheryl Wagner and Beth Dauwalder you did a heck of a job. No stone unturned. I will vouch for the Bubs and me. Look out California you have big shoes to fill as the Atlanta Team raised the bar on hosting a fantastic Reunion
for more Secret Service insight...www.secretservice.gov
I must say I was a bit faclempt that our pal Eljay Bowron couldn't make it...he has been one busy guy since retirement...between riding a bike from Detroit to Mexico for a charity and getting his knees replaced for the umteenth time he was a no show. Always a favorite of Boca's ( the Bubs worked with him in Miami and Atlanta)...and again another former Cop. And how did that go...once a cop always a cop. El WE WILL SEE YOU IN SANTA BARBARA. You really are missed.
2000 Mile Bike Ride for the Orphanage
| On April 25, 2009 - May 12, 2009, Joe DeLamielleure, National Football League Hall of Fame member, Eljay Bowron, Retired Director of the United State Secret Service, and John Shinsky, and educator, former orphan, and co-founder of Ciudad de los Niños embarked on a remarkable 2000 mile bike ride for the sole purpose of raising resources to support Ciudad de los Niños, the orphanage and new home that will eventually serve 140 abandoned and neglected children in Matamoros Mexico. Joe, Eljay, and John were former football teammates at Michigan State University in the 1970's. The common thread between each of them throughout their adult lives and careers is that of service to others. The bike ride was one more way for the team to demonstrate their lifetime commitment to making a difference in serving others. Dick Comar, an educator and former football coach joined the team driving the support vehicle and supporting the riders throughout the trek. It is difficult to describe all of the aspects of the bike ride and the emotions behind the effort. However, the following pictures offer some insight as to the many wonderful experiences they had throughout the ride and the joy they received by giving back to children in need. |
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| The Riders John Shinsky, Joe DeLamielleure, and Eljay Bowron |
And of course the Pleep also had an outstanding time.....
LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO MY LITTLE FRIEND...ah Bubs, they don't use the .357 Magnum anymore...it's all about the Sig Sauer and I'm talking the P229.
.....builder
