Author Archives: Stevie

You Put the Clown Where??

Picked up my room key Envelope said “MWR” (Morale Welfare and Recreation Director – my sponsor) Then, just “– Clown” No “Mr. Selter,” No “Jed Selter”… Just “Clown” Nuttin’ else But, there was a private corridor door to the room Sign on it read “Visitors State Rooms” (I’m getting impressed now) And then my room … Continue reading You Put the Clown Where?? →

Serious Stuff

Just on board First thing I see is this poster

It’s Time

At “Hotel Pier,” Pearl Harbor, Hawaii She is massive! Seventeen stories Ten above the water line, seven below 4.5 acres of flight deck- catapults and runways Five story numerals on her tower “72” (Her U.S. Navy designation is “CVN-72”) Home the past seven months to 6,500 sailors in every function – aviation, electronics, nuclear reactors, … Continue reading It’s Time →

He’s Off! … And Thinking

Up early (hardly slept) Now walking the airport corridors to the gate… Thinking – first time traveling solo in years (Normally with family or a “giggle” of clowns to some exotic place) Thinking – the eleven days ahead At sea with working sailors and their families Thinking – we’ve clowned for thousands of returning Service … Continue reading He’s Off! … And Thinking →

Dedication

To all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces and their families, past, present and future. I am indebted to each of you for your service and your sacrifices. …And to my friend, John Porter, who made this trip of a lifetime a reality for me.