Palin rocks!

My volunteer day was more fun than should be allowed! I was a driver in the motorcade and responsible for a 15-passenger van. I began the day meeting the other drivers to pick up our vans at the Cincinnati airport. We then drove to Lunken Airport to begin the adventure. Our vehicles were "swept" by the bomb squad. We had to pass security as well. Did you know that tic tac mints will make a metal detector go off? We then received our instructions from the Secret Service. The gentleman was very friendly, yet quite serious. He gave us instructions such as:

*drive close enough to the van in front of you to not allow a car to cut in
*don't drive close enough that you will hit the van if you need to stop quickly
*police motorcycles will be driving very quickly on both sides of you at times throughout the motorcade - always be aware so you do not sideswipe one of them
*the motorcade will weave throughout the lanes all during the drive - follow the van in front of you without running over a motorcycle (no pressure)
*the speed driven will vary in the course of the drive
*never leave your vehicle, leave the keys in the ignition, leave the window down, and if the motorcade needs to leave at a moments notice- be prepared to act quickly

For a few brief seconds I entertained the question "what have I gotten myself into?"

We had to be in our vans on the tarmac and ready to roll as the plane landed. It was fun watching the entourage exit the plane and head to the vehicles. I had the pleasure of driving Mike DeWine and his family and several of Sarah Palin's staff. I do know I drove Sarah's hairdresser and makeup artist - but I do not know the responsibilities of the other staffers in the van. It was fun to listen to their conversations. I heard things like "where are we again?" and "what day is it?" - it was obvious that the pace is crazy. One of the staffers was quickly going through the local paper and scanning headlines. They were all talking about "Joe the Plumber" and how they were so sorry how his life had been affected.

The drive to and from the event was interesting. The police shut down all roads as we passed through an area. People did line certain areas of the route holding signs, honking horns, and cheering.

During the event we had to stay with our vehicles. I enjoyed watching the behind-the-scenes activities. My van was parked right next to an empty sedan with two secret service agents which was next to Sarah Palin's Suburban. I had fun watching Bristol (oldest daughter) and Trig (baby) hanging out. Baby Trig has his own Secret Service detail - too cute.



Once we returned to the airport we were told it would be about two hours before we could meet Sarah Palin. The staff was going to eat lunch and then she had to meet with the press. We grabbed some lunch and then hung out in the airport until we were summoned back to the tarmac.

Ok, so I may not be objective, being that I am a big Sarah Palin fan. However, I admire her even more now after watching her throughout the day and speaking to her. She was never rushed with people - even though her staff seemed to want to hurry her along. When I met her she was warm, looked me straight in the eye, shook my hand, and stopped to speak for a few seconds. I told her I was a fellow "mother of five" and that our family supported her. She shared a bit about her son who left for the military in September. Her comment was "that turkey, he isn't calling home enough!" She thanked all of us for spending our day volunteering and how much she appreciated us. Again, she took the time to stop and chat with us in a friendly manner. I stand beside my initial reason for supporting her - she is a real person, in touch with the real America, and I think she could bring some fresh air to stuffy Washington DC. A group photo was taken which will be sent to us from the campaign staff. I can't wait for it to arrive!

Everyone I encountered on her staff was very friendly and courteous. The press traveling with them didn't seem quite as friendly. Imagine that. We were told that if we drove a press van to keep quiet and drive. We were instructed to not have any small talk or conversations with them. I am glad I was given a staff van to drive. ;)

When the Palin staff departed they were headed to Noblesville, Indiana which is my sister's hometown. How funny is that? When leaving the airport I called my sister to let her know that Sarah was on her way. My sister was headed to the rally.

The long day was definitely worth the experience. It was a terrific opportunity to observe the massive details that go into an event and see security detail, staffers, and of course Sarah Palin up close and personal.




Official driver - what a hoot






Now get out and VOTE people!