Tom Behl, John Lardner, George Chaney, Larry Hess, Talmadge Bailey, Dale Wunderlich, Louis Mayo, Bill Skiles, Sam Sulliman, David Ray, Frank Yeager, Andy Berger, Gerald Bechtle: obits+
Archive for Monday, October 21, 2002
Gila County names
Tom Behl Day, Oct. 24
October 21, 2002
For eight-and-a-half years, Tom Behl has dedicated his days to Gila County's children.
And now that he's retiring from that service, the Gila County Board of Supervisors has dedicated a day Oct. 24 to Tom Behl.
In declaring Tom Behl Day in Gila County, the supervisors called upon "all citizens, community agencies, religious organizations, medical facilities, and businesses to recognize outstanding and consistent advocation for the best interest of children, thereby strengthening the communities in which we live."
In other words, appreciate residents like Behl, who's been working as a volunteer within Gila County's Court Appointed Special Advocate program, better known as CASA, since he first discovered it in 1994.
Since that time, Behl has served on 23 cases and advocated for 44 children.
"In each instance, Mr. Behl has made a difference that will be with (the children) always," said Ceceille Masters-Webb, coordinator of Arizona CASA. "One gets the impression that it has been a mutually rewarding relationship for Mr. Behl and the children."
This isn't the first time in his life that Behl has made a difference.
A former Secret Service agent, he once stood guard over vice presidents Spiro Agnew and Hubert Humphrey, and briefly both John Fitzgerald Kennedys, among many others.
"Mr. Behl's experience was an excellent basis for investigating the best interest of the children he served and writing court reports," Masters-Webb said, noting that Behl has also worked as a volunteer in the Payson Area Habitat for Humanity program, and is a member of the board of directors for Payson's Community Action program.
But it's Behl's relentless promotion, support and volunteer work for CASA that's earned this 13-year Payson resident his own day.
"When children become wards of the court, the court can assign a CASA to that child or children," he explained in a January 2000, interview. "Our duties and responsibilities are to be that child's representative in court, and to let the court know what's in the best interest of the child. Not what's in the best interest of anybody else. Just the child's."
Once a court order was issued, Behl spent time with the children and their parents, interviewed their teachers and doctors, and prepared written reports to the judge recommending that the child either be returned to the parents or, at the other extreme, severance and adoption of the child.
"As you can imagine, making decisions like that is quite a responsibility," Behl said almost three years ago. "But ... with my background, it's a natural as far as volunteer work goes."
"It's pretty nice, pretty nice (to have his own day)," Behl said Monday afternoon. "I think I kind of surprised everyone when I announced I was retiring, and now I'm surprised by everything that's happening."
And what will Tom Behl be doing on Tom Behl Day?
"Well, I guess I'll be at Mario's Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. for a little luncheon and a little recognition," he said, laughing.
The luncheon may be little. But the recognition will be huge.
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John Joseph Lardner, former Secret Service agent
John Joseph Lardner guarded President Kennedy on a winter day, with his right hand — and his trigger finger — exposed.
By J.M. Lawrence
Globe Correspondent / December 1, 2010
When John F. Kennedy was inaugurated in 1961, Secret Service agent John Joseph Lardner rode behind him on Pennsylvania Avenue. He was proud to be a kid from Lowell who grew up to guard the president, he told his family.
Tweet Be the first to Tweet this!0diggsdiggYahoo! Buzz ShareThis There was little else he ever shared about those Kennedy years. “There’s a reason we’re called the Secret Service,’’ Mr. Lardner would often tell his nephew, Michael Walsh of Bedford, N.H.
Mr. Lardner, a US Marine Corps captain who was a Secret Service agent from 1959 to his retirement in 1983 as special agent in charge of Rhode Island and Bristol County, died of a heart attack at his home in Easton Nov. 19.
He was 80.
“My dad lived his life by the Marine Corps code,’’ God, corps, and country, said his oldest daughter, Kristin M. Brown of East Sandwich.
“It was just the way his life was.’’
Mr. Lardner would never discuss his assignment on the day Kennedy was shot or say whether he was in Dallas.
“He would never tell,’’ his daughter said.
“He had strong opinions about the assassination, but it was very difficult for him to talk about. He was never a man at a loss for words, but it was the one subject you just couldn’t approach him about.’’
Following the assassination, Mr. Lardner was assigned to the detail guarding Jacqueline Kennedy and her children. His family said they believe Mrs. Kennedy personally requested him.
After his sudden death, his daughter began sorting through his personal papers and found thank you notes from Mrs. Kennedy and jokes in the agent’s old spiral bound notebook jotted by a young Caroline Kennedy.
In one old photo, Mr. Lardner walks behind the president as he leaves a hospital pushing Mrs. Kennedy in a wheelchair. A nurse carries newborn John Jr.
In another photo, Mr. Lardner stands next to President Kennedy on a winter day. The agent wears one glove on his left hand, leaving his right hand — and his trigger finger — exposed.
Born in the Bronx, Mr. Lardner was the only son of a brick mason John and a nurse, Mary (Corcoran), who emigrated from County Kerry, Ireland. His sister Eileen died in 2009.
Mr. Lardner graduated in 1949 from Lowell High, where he played football.
He became an apprentice brick mason under his father and grandfather while going to Northeastern University. He graduated with a degree in business in 1954 and joined the Marines.
He was married more than 35 years to Karen M. (Buchwald). They met at a pub in Boston in the 1970s when she was a nurse. They had three children. His daughter Kristin recalled reveling at the sight of her father’s dress uniform.
“He would have me lead the charge through the house with my brothers and sisters in marching cadence. ‘Over hill over dale, we will hit the dusty trail . . .’ I can sing the entire song to his day,’’ said Kristin, who is a paramedic.
Mr. Lardner started out in the forgery and counterfeit department of the Secret Service before he was assigned to presidential details.
Mr. Lardner, who was known as Jack, showed little interest in his former colleague Gerald Blaine’s just published book, “The Kennedy Detail: JFK’s Secret Service Agents Break Their Silence,’’ according to his family.
“I said, Jack you’re not going to buy the book? He said, ‘Mike, there’s a reason why we were called the Secret Service,’ ’’ his nephew said.
“I said man, oh, man, that’s old school talking.’’
Mr. Lardner also was a life-long Republican and supported Republican candidates in Massachusetts, including Senator Scott Brown.
“The only time I saw him cry in the 33 years I knew him was the day President Reagan died,’’ said his daughter. “He adored him.’’
Mr. Lardner was active in local government in Easton, where he was on the Finance Committee for several years. He was an avid tennis player and an expert skier.
In recent years, he enjoyed investing in the stock market and sharing stock tips with his family. However, he would never talk about substantial topics over cordless phones, his nephew said.
“He would always say, ‘Are you hardwired?’ He was very careful of what he would say on a telephone,’’ Michael said.
In addition to his oldest daughter and wife, Mr. Lardner leaves his son, J. Adam of Easton; another daughter, Kerry A. of Truro; and five grandchildren.
Services have been held.
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George Washington Chaney |
Chaney, George W. George Washington Chaney, left this world August 14, 2011 to be with our Lord. He died peacefully at home with his loving wife of 51 years, Margaret "Toddy", by his side. George was born June 12, 1925 in San Antonio, Texas to Thomas and Lillie Chaney. Following high school George enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for three years during World War II. He continued to serve our country through a long and productive career in the U.S. Secret Service. His posts included President Eisenhower's Protective Detail in Gettysburg, PA, Assistant Agent in Charge of personnel in Washington, D.C., Special Agent in the Dallas Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge of the El Paso Field Office. He retired from the Secret Service in 1977 and began his second career as a questioned document examiner and owner of Lewis & Associates, formerly owned by retired agent Roy Lewis. After 22 years George retired a second time to spend more time with his family and church at Park Cities Baptist. At church he was active in the adult Sunday School class, serving as Department Superintendent for many years. George never met a stranger, saw good in everyone, and the gentle, principled way he conducted his life was a model for all who had the privilege to know him. His family and friends gratefully send his soul to be with our Lord in the "Great [Secret Service] Command Post" in Heaven. George is survived by: Toddy and their children, Holly, Warren, Devon, Carol, David and their spouses and children; a brother, Neil; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, two brothers and two sisters. A memorial service will be held at Park Cities Baptist Church on Saturday, August 27 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Foundation of the Association of Former Agents of the United States Secret Service - AFAUSSS, attn: Kathy Rinkenberger, Executive Director, 525 SW 5th St., Ste. A, Des Moines, IA, 50309, 515-282-8192; OR Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind, 4306 Capitol Ave., Dallas, TX, 75204, 214-420-9420.
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variation
Retired secret service agent George Chaney dies at 86
AText Size By DEBORAH FLECK
DEBORAH FLECK The Dallas Morning News
Staff Writer
dfleck@dallasnews.com
Published: 25 August 2011 10:58 PM
RelatedGeorge Washington Chaney, retired Secret Service agent, died Aug. 14 in Dallas.
Photo: courtesy / courtesy George Washington Chaney’s Secret Service career took him from “diaper duty,” where he watched President Dwight Eisenhower’s children and grandchildren in Gettysburg, Pa., to Dallas, where he was on President Lyndon Johnson’s protective detail. He also had stops in El Paso and Washington, D.C. before retiring in 1977. With Dallas as a home base, he began a second career as a document examiner for Lewis &Associates.
A native of San Antonio, Mr. Chaney died Aug. 14 at age 86.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Park Cities Baptist Church, 3933 Northwest Parkway in Dallas.
“He enjoyed it and was proud of his work, but it was hard on him not seeing his family,” said daughter Devon Nassif of Dallas. He was the father of five children, who grew up mostly in Dallas.
After high school, Mr. Chaney enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served three years during World War II. A few years later, he began is career with the U.S. Secret Service. He met his wife of 51 years, Margaret “Toddy” Chaney, during his post in Gettysburg.
Mr. Chaney then became an assistant agent in charge of personnel in Washington, D.C.
“He was in D.C. when Kennedy was shot and was good friends with the Dallas agents who worked then,” Mrs. Nassif said. Mr. Chaney returned to Dallas in 1970 for a few years before being sent to El Paso. He served in El Paso from 1974 to his retirement in 1977.
His second career lasted 22 years. He bought Lewis & Associates from Roy Lewis, a retired agent.
Mrs. Nassif said her father had many interesting stories from both careers, especially about President Johnson, but he couldn’t share them with anyone.
Family friends Ann and Roland Kelley of Colleyville said, “His mind was sharp, and he remembered every detail he was on.”
During retirement, Mr. Chaney became active at his church, Park Cities Baptist. He served as department superintendent of the adult Sunday school class.
In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by children Holly Barber of Coppell, Warren Hafer of Nashua, N.H., Carol Larson of Pueblo, Colo., and David Chaney of Ashburn, Va.; and brother Neil Chaney of San Antonio. David Chaney followed in his father’s footsteps and is a secret service agent in Washington, D.C.
Memorials may be made to the Foundation of the Association of Former Agents of the U.S. Secret Service, Attention Kathy Rinkenberger, 525 SW Fifth St., Suite A, Des Moines, Iowa 50309; 515-282-8192; or Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind, 4306 Capitol Ave., Dallas, Texas 75204; 214-420-9420.
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Lawrence Hess
This is to inform you that my Uncle, Lawrence Hess, Class of "52", passed away on the 5th of November 2006, in Snellville, Ga. I came across your Lehigh Univ. web site by accident while doing some research about my family, the Hess’, which is where I found a picture of my uncle. I also noticed that no one had posted that he had passed away so I thought I’d inform you and his classmates. His widow aunt Susan, still lives in Snellville Ga. He was a really great uncle, a loyal Lehigh man, and will be sorely missed. There are two sons, Thomas Hess, is an officer in the US Navy stationed presently in San Diego, Calif., and Larry Hess in Duluth, GA.
Thank you, John H. Hess - April 2009
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Obituary:
Larry Hess, 79, worked as Secret Service agent
It wasn't easy for Larry Hess to become a Secret Service agent, but once in. he quickly became a good one. When Larry and I joined, there were only 300 agents, "said Frank Slocum of Waianae, Hawaii. "In order to get into the Secret Service, somebody had to die or resign or be fired to create an opening!” That was 1955, and the service was under the Treasury Department. "We always had to set an example of thrift," said the retired agent. "We had to drive old cars without radios or air conditioning!” Working counterfeit cases, Mr. Hess helped agents get nicer cars to drive. "We always met with the suspect in his own car, "Mr. Slocum said, became those had more luxuries than Secret Service cars, "That way, after we got the counterfeit money, we could sell the car. That's how we got our cars!”
Mr. Hess, who was an expert marksman, was assigned to field offices from Los Angeles to Atlanta. He helped protect presidents from Dwight D. Eisenhower onward through his retirement in 1981, said his son. Tom Hess of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The funeral for Lawrence Thomas Hess. 79, of Snellville is at 11 a.m. today at Henry Funeral Home. The graveside service is at 2:30 p.m. today at Georgia Veterans Cemetery in Milledgeville. He died of cancer Sunday at Embracing Hospice.
When a president was traveling new the field office where he was assigned, Mr. Hess was called upon to provide additional Secret Service protection, Mr. Slocum said. For three years he protected Eisenhower's grandson, David Eisenhower, with whom he maintained a relationship, his son said. When President Eisenhower was playing golf at Augusta National or in Palm Springs, Calif., Mr. Hess was on the course with him, but not on the fairway. "We had to walk in the rough toting radios and machine guns," Mr. Slocum said. "That's why I don't like golf!” Mr. Hess was attached to President Richard Nixon's historic trip to China and to the investigation of President John F. Kennedy's assassination, his son said.
Because he was a bachelor in the Secret Service, he got moved around frequently and called upon for a variety of assignments, Mr. Slocum said. I would consider Larry a good agent became he was very conscientious," he said. "He was a go‑getter, plus, he was a very smart guy."
Once he left the Secret Service, Mr. Hess continued to protect presidents in his fashion. Through letters to the editor of The Atlanta Journal Constitution, he castigated the press, opponents of the president and the nation's allies. "He was a Ronald Reagan Republican," his son said.
At home, he entertained himself playing the piano and collecting beer steins. In the community, the World War II U.S. Navy veteran had been see an officer of VFW 4180 and of the American Legion in Snellville, his son said.
Survivors include his wife, Susan Hess; another son, Larry Hess of Snellville; and two grandchildren.
Secret Service agent Larry Hess works security for
President Lyndon B. Johnson as he addresses troops in the 1960s
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Talmadge W. Bailey, 87, of Palm City, died March 11, 2011 at his residence. He was born in Apex, NC and had been a resident of Palm City for 30 years, having moved from Charlotte, NC. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps having served during WWII. He had been a Secret Service Agent for the U.S. Government before retirement. He was a member of the Evergreen Country Club and the Association of Former Agents of the United States Secret Service.
He is survived by his son, Dr. Clifton Bailey of Tallahassee; daughter, Dr. Rebecca Ann Bailey of Oveido, FL; sisters, Ann Williams of Emerald Isles and Ellen Bassett of Myrtle Beach, SC and brother, Hubert Bailey of Wilson, NC. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances C. Bailey.
No services are scheduled.
Arrangements are entrusted to Forest Hills Funeral Homes, Palm City Chapel.
Condolences may be written on: foresthillspalmcityflorida.com
The Evergreen Club sends its deepest condolences to the Bailey family. He will be missed.
Posted by: The Evergreen Club - Palm City, FL May 16, 2011 I met Talmadge 42 years ago (1969) when I was a new agent in the Secret Service. He was then and continued to be a great mentor, a fantastic agent and a good and decent man. I am saddened by his passing and know that he will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Posted by: J. Benny Crosby - Panama City Beach, FL - Friend and former colleague Mar 28, 2011 Talmage was one of the really good guys. A true southern gentleman. After 25 years of meetings, volunteer work and golf together, I can't remember a single time he wasn't a great guy. I wish him, Bud and Becky all the best as he is reunited with Francis.
Posted by: Charles Dyer - Palm City, FL Mar 17, 2011 Twenty-three years ago Mr. Bailey opened his home up to a bunch of us who were going on a seven day barefoot cruise the next day to the Bahamas. I recall the e numerous plaques, letters, pictures, etc. from friends and family of various presidents that covered the walls in his office, people he had impacted in his role with the Secret Service over the years. He clearly had a long and full life and had a positive impact on the world and those who knew him.
Posted by: Scottie Whiddon - Tallahassee, FL - Friend/colleague Mar 17, 2011 Our thoughts and prayers are with Bud and Becky and the other family members. I served with Talmadge in various assignments beginning at the Miami FO during the early '60s and our families were close for many years. Bud and Becky baby sat for our children in MIA and we also shared assignments in the Office of Inspection, USSS HQ. Talmadge and Francis were good friends and we miss them. Our hearts go out to Bud and Becky.
Tom and Shirley Wells
Posted by: Thomas Wells - St Augustine, FL - Friend/professional associate Mar 17, 2011
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A Dale Wunderlich - NCISS 2011 Conference Speaker
U. S. Secret Service-Executive Protection Problems
A. Dale Wunderlich, CPP, CFE
A. Dale Wunderlich & Associates, Inc.
6484 Lemon Gulch Drive, Castle Rock, CO 80108
(720) 851-8771
Fax (720) 851-8763
Email address: adwunderlichinc@aol.com
Mr. Wunderlich received his Bachelor of Science degree from Washington State University in Police Science and Administration (Criminology). He is presently earning his Master of Science degree at the University of Denver with a major in Security Management. While attending Washington State University Mr. Wunderlich was a police officer on the Pullman, Washington Police Department. Upon graduation, he became a police officer on the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). He then became a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service.
While with the Los Angeles Police Department, Mr. Wunderlich served as a uniformed patrol officer as well as a plain clothes officer assigned to the Scientific Investigation Division, Comparative Analysis Section and was qualified as an expert in firearms identification (ballistics), number restoration, bomb disposal and crime scene reconstruction. While in the U.S. Secret Service, Mr. Wunderlich was assigned at the White House in Washington D.C. and at several field offices. During his career in the Secret Service, he served on protective assignments with five Presidents, several Vice Presidents and numerous visiting foreign dignitaries. During one protective assignment in Washington D. C. he was assigned to the Protective Intelligence/Technical Security Division. In his capacity as a Special Agent for Protective Divisions, he conducted physical security surveys for Presidents, Vice Presidents, other U.S. government officials and specified foreign dignitaries in numerous foreign countries and forty-nine states. He also conducted physical security surveys for visiting heads of state at many locations throughout the United States.
While assigned at the Technical Security Division and in the Denver Field Office of the U.S. Secret Service, Mr. Wunderlich was involved in the design and implementation of security systems for the White House, the U.S. Treasury Building, the U.S. Mint (Denver), various Presidential residences and the State of Colorado Governor’s mansion. These activities included recommendations for security hardware such as alarms, CCTV and access control systems.
In private industry, Mr. Wunderlich was employed as Manager of Corporate Security for Continental Airlines, Vice President of Security and North American Operations for British West Indian Airways and Special Assistant to the Chairman of the Board for Security for a large oil exploration and production company. While serving as an airline security manager, Mr. Wunderlich conducted security surveys at airline facilities throughout the United States and the Caribbean. During that period of time he also negotiated security contracts, supervised and trained contract security officers and provided training for company security personnel. For the past thirty years, he has owned and operated his own security consulting company.
Since opening his own business in 1979, Mr. Wunderlich has conducted physical security surveys, trained security officers, evaluated and established security programs or conducted internal theft investigations throughout the world. Some of the countries he has worked in are Saudi Arabia, South Africa, West Africa, East Africa, South America, Central America, Mexico, Mongolia, China, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Russia, The Commonwealth of Independent States (Kyrgyzstan & Uzbekistan), Europe, Indonesia, Thailand and throughout North America. These activities involved measures providing protection for company assets as well as company employees, setting up security departments and training security personnel. Mr. Wunderlich has also taught courses on procedures for conducting physical security surveys to national security forces from ten Middle Eastern countries, for the American Society for Industrial Security, the Professional Private Investigators of Colorado and other professional groups. In his career in the security business, Mr. Wunderlich has conducted in excess of twelve hundred security audit/surveys and has prepared the design specifications for hundreds of alarm, CCTV and access control systems. He has written numerous articles on the need for physical security, which have been printed in nationally and internationally circulated publications.
During his career in the security/law enforcement field, Mr. Wunderlich has testified as an expert witness in excess of three-hundred and fifty times, in municipal, state and federal courts. He is a member of the National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS), the World Association of Detectives (WAD), Association of Former Agents of the U. S. Secret Service and is the Past President of the Professional Private Investigators of Colorado. The World Association of Detectives awarded Mr. Wunderlich with the “Investigator of the Year” award in 1991 in recognition of the many complex investigations he has conducted and his contribution to the field of private investigations and security consulting. At the World Association of Detectives annual Conference in Zurich, Switzerland in 2007, Mr. Wunderlich was honored as the "Security Professional of the Year." At the 85th annual meeting of the World Association of Detectives in the Republic of Malta, Mr. Wunderlich was presented with a lifetime achievement award for "Long and Meritorious Service to the Investigations and Security Profession." Further, Mr. Wunderlich serves on the Board of Directors and is chairman of the Ethics Committee for the World Associations of Detectives.
Mr. Wunderlich is also the past President and past Chairman of the Board of the National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS). He also is Chairman of the Ethics, Grievance and Disciplinary Committee for NCISS and presently serves on the Board of Directors.
Mr. Wunderlich holds the designation of Certified Protection Professional (CPP) from the Professional Certification Board of the ASIS International (Formerly American Society for Industrial Security) and the designation of Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
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Dr.
Louis Mayo has over 50 years in policing with the last 35 years working at the national level to improve local policing, including; operations, management, research, education,training and consultations. He directed a nationwide program of police executive training in a variety of topics which trained over 20,000 police officials.
Federal and State Courts across the nation have qualified Dr. Mayo as an expert witness in a variety of police malpractice subjects, including; excessive force, false arrest, illegal search, policies, training, supervision, discipline, and automobile pursuits.
BackgroundQ: Please list your professional accreditations, degrees, licenses, and certificates granted:
A: BA, MS, Ph.D. all in police operations and management.
Q: Please list your affiliations or memberships in any professional and/or industry organizations:
A: International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Execcutive Research Forum, Police Association for College Education (founder), Society of Police Futurests International, International Association for Law Enforcent Training, Academy of Criminal Justrice Sciences-Police Section, American Society for Public Administration, California Peace Officers Association and Association of Fromer Agents of the United States Secret sErvice.
Q: Please list any teaching or speaking experience you have had, including subject matter:
A: Adjunct professor - graduate and undergraduate courses in police management, invited speaker at regional, state national and international police conferences on police management subjects, directed nagtionwide executive training program for improving policing - trained over 20,000 police officials.
Q: Have any of your accreditations ever been investigated, suspended or removed? (if yes, explain)
A: NO
Q: On how many occasions have you been retained as an expert?
A: over 50
Q: For what area(s) of expertise have you been retained as an expert?
A: Variety of area of police malpractice, including;
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the plaintiff?
A: 99%
Q: In what percentage of your cases were you retained by the defendant?
A: 1%
Q: On how many occasions have you had your deposition taken?
A: 35
Q: When was the last time you had your deposition taken?
A: September 2003
Q: On how many occasions have you been qualified by a court to give expert testimony?
A: 14
Q: On how many occasions have you testified as an expert in court or before an arbitrator?
A: 15
Q: For how many years have you worked with the legal industry as an expert?
A: 10
Q: What services do you offer? (E.g.: consulting, testing, reports, site inspections etc.)
A: Conslting, aqnalysis/reporting, site inspections, depositon, testimony
Q: What is your hourly rate to consult with an attorney?
A: 150.00
Q: What is your hourly rate to review documents?
A: 150.00
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide deposition testimony?
A: 200.00
Q: What is your hourly rate to provide testimony at trial?
A: 200.00
Q: Please list any fees other than those stated above (E.g.: travel expenses, copy fees, etc.)
A: Travel expenses
ReferencesReferences available upon request.
Publications
CVCV
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Friday, April 13, 2007
Bill Skiles
Every year my dad does taxes for a friend of his named Bill Skiles, and every year my family goes with him to eat dinner and visit with him. This guy is the coolest man I know. He is 75 and a retired secret service agent. He has the coolest stories and he loves to tell them. He guarded 7 presidents, including JFK and Nixon. He always makes us the same meal, but it is always very good and he always makes way too much! Well tonight, my family went, and I brought Justin along. He told all of his cool stories that I have heard before, and even some new ones. He is the funnest guy and all of his stories almost make me want to join the secret service. He is in incredible shape, and his mind is as sharp as ever. I went to be that way when I am 75, still full of life and active. So after getting to spend time with him, and hearing his stories, I had a great evening!
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Sam Sulliman '56
Alumni Q&A with Sam Sulliman '56
As President John F. Kennedy made his historic 1963 visit to Berlin, Germany, secret service agents, including Brother Sam Sulliman '56 (far left in dark glasses), help to restrain the welcoming and enthusiastic crowd.
From Sigma Chi to the Grassy Knoll
He was there - that fateful day of November 22, 1963. Assigned to Kennedy's detail as a U.S. Secret Service agent, Brother Sam Sulliman '56 saw the rise and fall of one of our nation's most high-profile presidents.
"Although I was with Kennedy's detail in Dallas, a most sad time in all our lives," said Sulliman, "no doubt my most memorable experience was in 1963 while accompanying President Kennedy to Berlin, Germany. During this trip, the president visited the Berlin Wall from which he made his famous 'Ist Ein Berliner' speech. The motorcade trek through the bombed-out streets of that once regal city as well as the feeling of being a part of world history at that very moment will stay with me forever."
We caught up with Brother Sulliman to find out more about his Secret Service experiences and what Sigma Chi has meant to his life. We hope you enjoy this alumni profile. E-mail us at content@affinity.connection.com with your comments.
Tell us more about your career.
I entered the United States Secret Service in Washington, D.C., in July 1959 following a year of law school at the University of Connecticut. After initial training, I was transferred to the Chicago field office where I spent two years covering counterfeit and forgery cases. I was then assigned to the Kennedy-elect detail, during which time I participated in the inauguration. Returning to the Chicago office, I was notified that I was to report to the White House detail within the next 30 days.
Thus began my White House "career," a major life-learning experience, carrying over into the business world as I entered into retirement from the federal government arena. From special agent in charge of the Kennedy summer White House to shift supervisor with other presidents to deputy and then special agent in charge of the vice presidential division, the years took me from the space program to Vietnam and Cambodia to Saudi Arabia and Africa to Greenland. One of the major trips spanned the globe covering some 13,000 miles in its entirety.
My last years with the Secret Service were spent as a field office agent-in-charge of the New England region. It was from that post that I retired and entered corporate and executive security. My Secret Service background was a major door opener within the corporate world, not only in regard to career expertise but within the international networking scenario, as well. The 20 years following my Secret Service career were involved in the field of corporate security with the Fluor Corporation in Irvine, Calif., and with Aetna-US Healthcare in Blue Bell, Pa. Currently I work as a consultant in the area of school safety and security.
Why did you join Sigma Chi at Bucknell?
When I completed my military service (U.S. Army in Korea), two of my close friends were Sigs (Bill Gray '54 and Mitch Gardner '53). They helped me get into Bucknell and Sigma Chi.
What kind of influence has the fraternity had on your life since graduation?
Living with fraternity brothers and running the house as its president independent of outside supervision helped me to adapt to the business world.
With whom do you stay in contact?
Marion Minker ’55, Ken Langone ’57 and Art Kinney ’56.
Tell us about your family.
I have been married to my wife, Lillian, for 42 years. I met her during my days in Washington with the Secret Service. We have three adult children: David, Victoria and Elizabeth.
What other activities or organizations were you involved with at Bucknell?
Varsity baseball and the Interfraternity Council.
Did you live in the house? If so, who were your roommates?
I lived in the house my last three years. Marion Minker was my roommate for two years, Bill Palmer ’56 for the last year.
What affiliations do you currently have?
I am a lifetime member of the Association of Former U.S. Secret Service Agents and of the International Association of Corporate Security; I am an honorary member of the Montgomery County (Pa.) Chiefs of Police.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I am a Major League Baseball aficionado and longtime Boston Red Sox fan. I also enjoy varied and sundry outdoor activities.
What are your goals for the next few years?
I want to sell the big house and move to Palm Desert, Calif., where the winter months are snowless and sunny!
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David F. Ray 1959
Simpsonville, Kentucky
David Ray spent thirty-one years in the United States Secret Service, but there has been nothing secret about his service to his country and to his alma mater.
A native of Louisville, David graduated from Centre in 1959 with a degree in business administration. He immediately began a promising career with the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, but by 1964 a desire for a little more adventure became irresistible. He contacted a friend and fellow alumnus,
J. Frank Yeager, who had joined the U.S. Secret Service, and soon he had embarked on a whole new life.
David quickly established himself as a rising star in the Service. He was assigned to protect Richard Nixon during the 1968 campaign. He followed President Nixon to the White House, serving there until the end of the Nixon presidency, including accompanying the Nixon family home to California on Air Force One following Mr. Nixon’s resignation. He continued to serve on Presidential and Vice-Presidential details, work that took him to more than fifty countries. But he also took on other duties, including the Dignitary Protection Division. In this role, he coordinated security for the 1978 Camp David Summit between Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, and President Jimmy Carter. He later became head of the Technical Security Division of the Secret Service, managed the security for four Presidential inaugurations, supervised the upgrade of security around the White House against the threat of terrorist attacks in the 1980s, and led security arrangements for the first summit between President Reagan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev. In 1986, he took the opportunity to return home as director of the Service’s Kentucky Field Office, a position he held until his retirement from the Service in 1996. At that time, David established his own successful security consulting business.
When Centre was selected to host the vice-presidential debate, Richard Trollinger and Clarence Wyatt decided to call David to see what advice he could give us about security. We invited him to come down to lunch in March – and he stayed until October 6th. He generously put the expertise developed over 31 years at Centre’s disposal and we shamelessly took advantage of him. He saw the importance in details that we would have neglected. He enabled us to anticipate problems and possibilities that would have risen up to bite us or that would have passed us by. His confidence in Centre’s ability to pull off this event was infectious and his level-headedness at tense moments reassuring. His presence gave us instant credibility with the Commission on Presidential Debates, with the campaigns, and with the many law enforcement agencies that came together in this effort.
As President Roush has said, there were many heroes in the debate story. But there is no doubt that the debate would not have been the success that it was without David. But his work over the last few years is just the latest chapter in a life of consummate professionalism, love of country, and devotion to his alma mater.
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Andrew E. Berger, 69 of 4230 Woodglen Lane in Charlotte died Thursday, June 22, 2006 at Lawyers' Glen Assisted Living Center after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease. A native of New York City, he was born December 31, 1936 and was the son of the late Andrew and Helen Berger of New York.
Mr. Berger was a graduate of Fordham University and attended New York Law School. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in 1959. He was also an active member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Until his death, he was a member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church.
Mr. Berger's career began when he entered the United States Secret Service in 1961 in New York City. He served under President John Kennedy and was in Dallas, Texas when President Kennedy was assassinated and later accompanied the body on Air Force One. He also drove the hearse with the President's body and Mrs. Kennedy to Love Field in Dallas. He attended the ceremony when President Johnson was sworn in after Kennedy's death. He served under President Lyndon Johnson before becoming Agent-in-Charge of Buffalo, New York. He then joined the vice presidential detail serving under Vice President Spiro Agnew. In 1972, he became Agent-in-Charge of Syracuse, New York. In 1975, he was named Agent-in-Charge of Baltimore, Maryland. He also served under President Gerald Ford, President Jimmy Carter and President Ronald Reagan. Mr. Berger was present in Washington when Ronald Reagan was shot. He retired from the United States Secret Service in 1981.
After retiring from the Secret Service in 1981, Mr. Berger moved his family to Charlotte where he worked as Director of Security for NCNB, then later started his own courier business. After his final retirement in 2001, he enjoyed his family and grandchildren and even helped his son, Chris coach basketball at Charlotte Latin. Mr. Berger loved fishing at the Outer Banks and Kiawah Island, golf, traveling, sports and his favorite team, the Washington Redskins.
Survivors: Beloved wife of 46 years, Dolly Berger, daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen and Boyd Higgins of Charlotte, sons and daughters-in-law, Andrew and Julie Berger of Gastonia, John and Maria Berger of Charlotte, Chris and Heidi Berger of Charlotte, seven grandchildren, Kelsey and Connor Higgins, Jordan Berger, Brady, Riley and Delaney Berger and Molly Berger.
The family would like to extend special gratitude to the staff at Hospice, especially Dr. William Porter, Janice Stovall and Jean Yakley and the compassionate staff at Lawyers Glen Assisted Living Center for the wonderful care Andy received.
A Memorial Mass celebrating Andy's life will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 11:00 AM at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte with the Reverend Edward J. Sheridan, Celebrant.
The family will receive friends on Monday, June 26, 2006 from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at Harry and Bryant Company, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice at Charlotte, 1420 E. 7th St., Charlotte, NC 28204.
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Gerald W. Bechtle
Jerry Bechtle, born December 1, 1936, and raised in Elizabeth, is considered to be the best basketball player ever to play at St. Mary’s. He was the school’s first 1000 point scorer, (1059 total), a 2-year 1st team All State Player, named the number one Catholic School player in the country and one of the top ten players throughout the Nation (1955).
Jerry was named to the 1950’s All Decade Team by The Star Ledger and received every 1st place vote on the St. Mary’s All Time Team voted on by former players and Alumni at the school. Jerry’s legendary coach at St. Mary’s, Al Lobalbo, was once asked to describe Jerry and his response was one word, “Special”!
From over 100 major scholarship offers he and Cousin Jim Halleck chose to attend Maryland University. His team won the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 1958 and perhaps his signature game came against mighty North Carolina coached by Frank McGuire when he scored 28 points to beat the number one team in the country.
Jerry was drafted by the Knicks but chose to enter the Secret Service. He retired in 1986 after 24 years of service, traveling to 26 countries and participating in the protection of Presidents Eisenhower, Truman, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Reagan. Jerry resides in Vienna, VA with his wife Barbara, married 46 years, with 3 sons and 4 grandchildren.
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