Last Friday after spending the day watching the Blues practice their manoevers, I attended the Blue Angels reception at the Hilton on Pensacola Beach. I went as the guest of the former Head of Administration for the Blues, Leo Boor, and his wife Mary. The place was packed and music popping – it felt more like a disco than the more “staid” reception I was expecting… I was like, “Alright!” As I made my way through the crowd looking for the Boors, I heard my Pensacola song titled “It’s Good to Be Home” being played in the house. So, I went to the the DJ to say hello and thank him. This was the same sound company (Boogie Inc) that worked the event I did just the day before for the wives luncheon.
I soon found Leo, and like a man with a mission, he led me through the sea of people to find the dignitaries he was determined for me to meet. That night I had the privilege of meeting a few of the Blues officials, one being Cmdr. Matt Kaslik, XO of the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, and also Navy Lt. David Gardner, who is the PAO (Public Affairs Officer).
We later ran into an old friend of Leo’s who was once a Blue Angel, Al Cisnaros. Leo proceeded to tell Al about the anthem and all of a sudden his countenance changed, he smiled a huge smile and said “that’s you!!” He continued with praise of the song and how I nailed it. I later ran into a couple of the wives and then more came over to to tell me how much they enjoyed my performing the day before. Such amazing women!
The Blues were then called to the stage to be recognized and say a few words. When they walked off the stage and as I was hoping, my new anthem for the Blues, “The Blues Are Back In Town,” started ringing in the room… it was so cool and surreal!
Leo and I made our way to a table where pilot #5 Tyler Davies was signing autographs and taking pictures. While waiting in line, he looked over, smiled, pointed and said, “I know that guy.” I walked up shortly thereafter and reunited with the “Angel” who had heard my anthem previously by happenstance at a local restaurant (you can check out the story HERE), he seemed as excited as I was to recount that evening with his wife and first hearing “The Blues are Back In Town” and how much he loved it. That was an awesome moment! I told him the bigger plans we had for the anthem and he was very encouraging and supportive.
I then introduced myself to #1 pilot, Commander Eric C. Doyle, then #4 Navy Lt. Nate Scott, who were just getting word of my anthem and as timing would have it, their wives, Caitlin Scott and Meagan Doyle came up with their strong endorsements of the anthem and the guys became curious and even more interested.
Throughout the evening, people approached me… they either knew the song from Facebook or from seeing my appearance on WEAR-TV that very morning… and the praise and support was so overwhelming and humbling. It was truly a night to remember!!!
(In case you missed my earlier post about Friday’s visit with the Gulf Breeze Rotary Club & more, click HERE!)
With Leo Boor, former Head of Administration for the Blues, his wife Mary and former Blue Angels pilot, Al Cisnaros
With #1 pilot, Commander Eric C. Doyle
Mary Boor with #4 pilot, Lt. Nate Scott
With #5 pilot, Lt. Tyler Davies (the night we first met)