The White House Staff Christmas Party (1967)

White House Christmas Party (1967)
The Blue Room at the White House  Christmas Party (1967)
Type Of Activity	Staff  Event
Location
Location	The White House Washington DC
Date of Activity	December 1967

December 1967 The Staff Christmas Party

The President and Mrs. Johnson always had the annual Christmas Party at the White House for the Support Staff.. If you attended you could pick up your Christmas Card from the President and Mrs Johnson, and if you couldn't attend the card would be sent to you.  

In 1966 the Christmas Card was not received by any of the WHCA personnel at Camp David, even after we discovered that all of Navy personnel had received theirs. If you could not attend The Staff Party your card was usually mailed to you within a couple of weeks of the event. It seemed like all requests about their whereabouts fell on death ears. One of the WHCA spouses decided to take action, and she wrote a very polite letter to Lady Byrd Johnson asking why we hadn't received our cards. We all know what rolls down hill and it did in this case, it was no time until Mr. Fontaine was making a list and checking it twice. I took about another week and everyone at Camp David had their cards. So in 1967, I decided to go to the Christmas party and pick the card up myself and bring it home.  I went with Al Jensen the Navy Seabee working at Cannonball Tower with me. 

I was only able to attend one party primarily because of driving distance from Mercersburg PA. and weather conditions..

The Marine Corp Orchestra

When we entered the White House we were greeted by the Marine Corp Orchestra I stopped and listened to them before entering the Blue Room and viewing the Christmas tree.  There was plenty of refreshments served and after we were there for about an hour when the Johnsons came in to greet all of us and announce the evening’s entertainment.   

 

The President and Mrs. Johnson in the Blue Room

The entertainment for the evening was bandleader Skitch Henderson of the Tonight Show with Jonny Carson.  The show was very entertaining and Skitch played many holiday songs getting all of the guests into a holiday spirit. 

Bandleader Skitch Henderson

After the show the Johnsons retired to their private living quarters and the party continued for a couple more hours.

 

As the guests left they were given their Christmas card to take with them. I ended up with five Johnson Christmas cards and five Nixon Christmas cards all framed and displayed proudly.

LBJ’s Staff Christmas Cards

1964 Staff Christmas Card

1965 Staff Christmas Card

1966 Staff Christmas Card

1967 Staff Christmas Card

1968 Staff Christmas Card

The San Clemente CCT's Support trips to Palm Springs (1970-1972)

The San Clemente (CCT) Support trips to Palm Springs Ca.
Welcome to Palm Springs
Type Of Activity	Communications Support Trips
Location
Location	Palm Springs California
Date of Activity	Nov. 19 1970 to Dec.  27 1971
Coordinates	33°49′26″N 116°31′49″W

The CCT was designed to be a quick response highly mobile unit.  We were deployed on several occasions to Palm Springs CA with the President and also provided the Vice President communications support on west coast trips and he would come to Palm Springs several times to play golf.  The Vice Presidents visits were usually pretty simple to set up and once finished required little activity because nothing was scheduled other than short motorcades to and from the golf course.

19 Nov 70 to Palm Springs CA with Vice President and Mrs. Agnew

Our First visit as a team wasn’t until November of 1970. Vice President and Mrs. Agnew were scheduled to visit for several days and play some golf.  This trip was turned into a full scale deployment of the CCT including all of our equipment as if we were going on an overseas trip. The goal was to set up all of our communications equipment as quickly as possible and establish HF contact with Cactus and establish a phone patch with DCSU Headquarters at Camp David.

 Our Motel in Palm Springs 

As soon as we arrived and checked into our motel, we started to deliver equipment. Our first stop was the GTE Central Office where we would install the Switchboard and Commcenter equipment. This would become the base for telephone, radio, radio paging and data communications.

                                                       /          

 Edom Hill Radio Site   
                

Our second stop would be a visit to Edom Hill where we had permanently installed Baker, Charlie and Sierra radio base stations. The San Clemente Detachment had placed these base stations here on President Nixon’s first trip to Palm Springs knowing that there would be many trips, and the only work necessary would be to power them up and test them.  The remote keying lines were ordered to terminate back at the GTE central Office.  We would return to final test everything once we were told that all of the keying lines were installed.

Our final stop that night was back at our motel to start the installation of the HF equipment in a room in the Motel. Early the next morning we would install the antenna on the roof of the Motel and started to power up the two AN/URT-23 SSB radios. I would spend the rest of the day establishing contact with Camp David, Collins Radio, Silver Dollar (Airborne Command Post) and other locations within the Andrews Airways HF system.  Successful phone patches were completed with various individuals and our activity was terminated.

The Hearst Residence Front Entrance   

The next day we visited the Hearst residence where The Vice President and Mrs. Agnew would stay on this visit.  We surveyed the residence and started to set up the USSS Command Post (CP). We completed a radio survey and headed to the Palm Springs International Airport where the VP’s arrival and subsequent departure would take place.

 Palm Springs International Airport

Vice President Agnew and Frank Sinatra Golfing in Palm Springs

Fore!!!!!

The Agnew’s spent several days in Palm Springs golfing with comedian Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra before they returned to Washington D.C. of course when they left we de-installed all of our equipment and returned to El Toro. We spent a total of 10 days in Palm Springs on this the team’s first trip.

President Nixon Visits Loma Linda University Medical Center (1971)

Loma Linda University Medical Center
Loma Linda Medical Center in Loma Linda Ca
Type of Activity	Announcement to build new Hospital
Location
Location	Loma Linda Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA
Date of Activity	20 Aug 1971
Coordinates	34°03′09″N 117°15′51″W

20 August 1971 to Loma Linda with President Nixon

The San Clemente CCT made many side trips while President Nixon was vacationing at the Western White House in San Clemente. These side trips were usually in and out visits that only required one central location to be installed and turned up. We would set up the radio site, Switchboard, Comm. Center, and start preparing the speech site at the Loma Linda University Medical Center! The Presidents itinerary was to arrive on Marine One, spend about two hours on the Ground and then return to San Clemente. B/C/S FM Base stations were installed at the medical center to support the USSS and White House Staff.

President Richard Nixon visited Loma Linda University, August 20, 1971 and announced the construction of a $28.9 million dollar Veterans Administration hospital in the Loma Linda area. The new Veterans Administration hospital will replace the 521- bed hospital in San Fernando, California in which 48 patients and employees died in the earth quake of February 9 1979. Shortly after the announcement was made, four southern California geologists criticized the selection of the Loma Linda site. They all felt that this area had a higher earthquake potential than most of southern California since two of the biggest earthquake faults ran within several miles of Loma Linda. They said that since 1918 there have been six quakes in the area that have been over six points on the Richter scale.

Marine One arrives at Loma Linda Medical Center 
                     

Speaking before 10,000 Loma Linda residents, President Nixon said that the 630-bed hospital "will be closely affiliated with the School of Medicine, an affiliation which holds great promise for future improvements in medical care for veterans. “The medical school is noted for the high quality of its medical training, for its strong support of overseas medical missions, and for its deep dedication to community service." In commending Loma Linda University, President Nixon said that "I can think of nothing that does more to make friends for America abroad than that kind of selfless service by people like those from Loma Linda.

President Nixon announces the construction of a new VA hospital in Loma Linda Ca

However, President Nixon said the decision to replace the hospital grew out of a "careful review which has been conducted by the administrator of veteran’s affairs and other government officials." "What this action demonstrates, in my judgment, is that we can foster social progress -with all the building and modernization that implies and at the same time enhance environmental quality

President Nixon remarks

Coming with Mr. Nixon from the Western White House was California Governor Ronald Reagan. President Nixon and Governor Reagan were flown to Loma Linda University in "Marine One," the official Presidential 'helicopter. The Presidential helicopter, flown by Lieutenant Colonel Richard A. Kuci, commanding officer of Marine Helicopter Squadron One located at Quantico, Virginia, was accompanied by two marine helicopters carrying the White House Press Corps and two similar helicopters carrying Mr. Nixon's staff. The only incidents to mar the otherwise spectacular visit were the arrest of fourteen anti-war demonstrators and the treatment of 20 visitors that were overcome with the heat.

Seems like a lot of work for two hours but as soon as the President was at the point of no return from San Clemente, we started to disconnect and pack up all of our equipment for the return trip to our shop at El Toro!

VA Hospital at Loma Linda Medical Center

History of Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center

August 20, 1971: President Richard Nixon came to Loma Linda with his personal announcement that the hospital would be built. This announcement came six months after an earthquake leveled VA’s San Fernando hospital killing 44 patients and staff.

June 16, 1974: Groundbreaking for the facility took place celebrating an investment of $70 million for the land and buildings.

February 14, 1975: Congressman Jerry L. Pettis died at the age of 58 in a plane crash. The Medical Center would become a memorial for the Congressman and was named the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center.

September 25, 1977: Over 5,000 people attended the Dedication Ceremonies. At the time of dedication over 200 employees were on duty with the expectation of a total of 1,515 staff and a yearly budget of $32,610,200, once the facility was fully operational. It would take 15 months to activated the Medical Center

December 27, 1977: The first patient was admitted to the facility.

 

Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center Loma Linda Ca

              

The President’s Award Presentation to Samuel Goldwyn (1971)

Award Presentation to Samuel Goldwyn
Samuel Goldwyn's Estate in Beverly Hills
Type Of Activity	Award Presentation
Location
Location	Beverly Hills California
Date of Activity	27 Mar 1971
Coordinates	34°4′23″N 118°23′58″W

26 March 1971 to Beverly Hills Ca with President Nixon

While the President and Mrs. Nixon were visiting San Clemente two of us from the CCT was sent to Los Angeles To prepare for another short side trip. The President was planning a short visit to the residence of Samuel Goldwyn. Since this was a very short visit the only requirement for us was to set up a radio base at the Century Plaza Hotel consisting of Baker, Charlie and Sierra frequencies with phone patch capabilities back to the Western White House.  

   

President Nixon’s remarks as he Presents the Medal of Freedom
to filmmaker Samuel Goldwyn

March 27, 1 971 Presidents Itinerary to the Samuel Goldwyn house In Beverly Hills Ca.

(10:07 to 10:41 AM) The President flew by helicopter from the Western White House to the Los Angeles helipad.

(10:43 to 10:45 AM) The President motored from The Los Angeles helipad to the Residence of Chairman of the Board, Goldwyn Production Inc., Samuel Goldwyn. The President was met by: Mrs. Samuel Goldwyn and Taft Schreiber, Vice President, Music Corp. of America. The President then presented Samuel Goldwyn with the Medal of Freedom.

(11:20 to 11:32AM) The President motored from the Residence of Samuel Goldwyn to the Los Angeles helipad.

(11:41 to 2:00 PM) The President motored from the Los Angeles helipad to the Western White House.

After working all night to get the radios installed and installing circuits after about four hours we were removing the Radio base stations and returning to San Clemente.

                

The President Attends a Republican Political Rally in Anaheim (1970)

Political Rally Supporting the Re-Election  of Gov. Ronald Reagan
Anaheim Convention Center
Type of Activity	Campaign Speech and Political Rally
Location
Location	Anaheim Convention Center Anaheim Ca
Date of Activity	October 30 1970
Coordinates	33.802455°N 117.919843°W

October 30 1970 to a Political Rally in Anaheim CA with President Nixon

The purpose of President Nixon’s visit to California in October was to Campaign for all of the Republican candidates running for public office. California Governor Ronald Reagan and Senator George Murphy were also running for re-election in 1970. The President had attended a rally in San Jose just prior to coming to San Clemente.

President Nixon at a political rally for Gov. Ronald Reagan and Senator George Murphy 

Once again the CCT had a very short time frame to get set up for the rally.  Because San Clemente was so close to the Anaheim Convention Center, we were able to utilize many of the facilities at the Western White House.  We installed the Mini board, Commcenter and Radios at the Convention Center. Pacific Bell came through and installed the phones and circuits just before the President arrived. Everything was tested and ready to go.

The President and Mrs. Nixon departed from San Clemente in Army One accompanying them was, Governor Ronald Reagan and Senator George Murphy.

Note: The President spoke at 7:37 p.m. in the Anaheim Convention Center. His remarks were videotaped for broadcast at 8:30 p.m. on the CBS television network on time purchased by the Republican National Committee.

---

Citation: Richard Nixon: "Remarks in Anaheim, California." October 30, 1970. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project. 

 President Nixon at the Anaheim Convention Center

President’s Remarks at Anaheim Convention Center

The President opened by giving an endorsement to Governor Reagan and Senator Murphy.

“I cannot tell you what a proud moment it is for me to be addressing the Nation, for the first time in this campaign, from my native State of California. And I join with all of you in this great hall, and those of you in California, in giving my enthusiastic endorsement to the entire State ticket, and particularly to the leader of that ticket, a man who is the first man of the first State---Ronald Reagan.”

“And I also give my enthusiastic endorsement to all of those on the national ticket, the candidates for the House of Representatives, and to our candidate for the United States Senate for reelection-George Murphy”.

When the rally concluded the Presidential Party departed by Army One and returned to San Clemente.

Unlike the problems we had a couple months earlier with the PA system at the Century Plaza Press Conference, this event went off without any problems.

It was now time to collect and  tear down everything and return  the equipment to our repair shop at El Toro.

The President's News Conference at the Century Plaza Hotel (1970)

President's News Conference at the Century Plaza Hotel
The Century Plaza Hotel in Century City
Type of Activity	Live Press Conference
Location
Location		Century Plaza Hotel Los Angeles, Ca.
Date of Activity		July 30 1970
Coordinates		34.05556°N 118.41694°W

July 30 1970 to a Press Conference in Los Angles with President Nixon 

The president was on one of his working vacations at the Western White House, so the San Clemente CCT was sent to Los Angles to set up communications. We only had to set up the switchboard, commcenter, and USSS CP with the FM radio base stations on the roof of the hotel, because all scheduled activities were within the hotel. The speech site was to be held in the Santa Monica Room inside the hotel and was being set up by WHCA recording people from DC sent to support the president while he was in San Clemente.

                                        

The Main Entrance of the Century Plaza Hotel

The President arrived and stepped up to the Podium to begin his speech, all the viewers on TV saw was the Presidents lips move , no audio.  I was standing next to Gen. Redmond the CO of WHCA, and noticed that the color of his face turned white!  

Richard Nixon's Press Conference Remarks

It seemed like it was forever but someone swung a hand mike in the Presidents direction and the President announced. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are having trouble with the audio in the room. I hope that all of you, when you ask your questions, will ask them quite loudly. I understand, however, that our television audience has no problem because a shotgun mike will pick them up. For the benefit of your colleagues, ask your questions a little more loudly.  This press conference is one that is being held for the first time, while I have been President, outside of Washington. We want to welcome all of the members of the California press who are here. We will follow the usual format of the White House press conference, with the first two questions going to the wire services, and then we will try to cover as many others as we can”.

The President at the conclusion of his Press Conference

After about five minutes into the speech the recording guys found a blown fuse in the Hotel’s PA system and restored audio for the network audio feeds. I don’t remember who the WHCA Trip Officer was, but we were never supposed to use third party equipment when setting up speech sites. I have had radio failures occur, but that night I was relieved to be the provider of radio communications.

As soon as the Press Conference concluded the President t motored from the Century Plaza Hotel to the Century Plaza Hotel parking lot helipad. The Presidential party flew by helicopter from the Century Plaza helipad, to the San Clemente helipad. We started to tear down everything pack it up and return to our El Toro shop that evening.