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Military Reunion Network | MAY/JUNE 2017 | #militaryreunionsmatter
Continued from page 4 How many seats would his security detail need?
When was he arriving in San Diego? When was
event silent auction. She was a master. Jeff took he arriving to the USS Midway? Who could know
care of the talent and event timing. Barb handled he was considering attending? How would this
VIPs and the media. I handled accommodations and impact general attendees? There was nothing to
event logistics. We were unstoppable. do but stick with our original plan until we received
The plan was to have guests arrive between 6pm confirmation. By Friday, I was told Secret Service
and 7pm to allow time to bid on silent auction had “swept” the USS Midway. It looked like things
items. Tables and tablecloths were ordered. Load were really going to happen.
in was coordinated. Signage was set. The silent
auction was ready. The State of California has The day before the event is always the most
specific rules and regulations regarding fundraising. stressful. It is the last day of flexibility
This event was planned by a for profit to get needed items, or make last
company, raising money for a number minute changes. Friday consisted of
charities. Based on several factors we conversations relating to the cake
elected to hold an online auction after delivery as well as a special chair
the event was over. (It was a great for Ray. Banquet chairs can get
success). We had to rework everything. uncomfortable regardless of your age.
Seating would need to be monitored We wanted Ray to be as comfortable as
closely as we had over 100 VIPs. possible. In the midst of these details,
Sponsors, speakers, and family the call came in to see if we could
members made up most of the VIP find a place for a “cast party” of sorts
section. It was suggested that each for the volunteers, musicians, as well
VIP chair be personally assigned. If as the talent. One call to Jodie at the
you have ever planned a wedding with Holiday Inn Bayside and we were set
assigned seats, you will understand with private room as well as food and
how large a task it can be. The event beverage. We were all able to relax as it
seating capacity was 620. We had six
sections with the front of each section reserved was confirmed that President Trump was not able to
for the VIPs. With just over 400 general seating attend after all.
reservations we were going to be close but we
were going to make it, or so we thought. Tuesday, There was a great sense of pride watching Mr.
just five days prior to the event, I receive a text Chavez arrive on Saturday. He was escorted by at
from Barb. “Call me as soon as you can and you least 50 members of the motorcycle group Patriot
may freak out.” President Trump may attend. Guard Riders. By the revving of engines, there
Former United States President had written Mr. was no doubt he had arrived. Almost every news
Chavez a birthday letter. President Trump was no channel was present, thanks to Barbs media efforts.
exception except we had it on good authority that The local news was picked up nationwide within
he wished to deliver it himself, IN PERSON!!! The a few days and included
list of changes to the event was mind numbing. interviews not only with Ray
but Emcee Jack Scalia and
left to right Barb Beach, Sharon Danitschek, Jeff Senour and 911 Survivor Joe Torrillo.
Maggie Peace (far right) made up the “core four” They too donated their time
and talents to make the
22 evening special for Ray.
It was an honor to plan
this historic event and to
be of service to one of our
nations heroes. I had the
great fortune to meet and
work alongside some very
patriotic people. The name
of Jeff’s band says it best.
We were truly “Called
to Serve”. 
