DC Diary

Medleys In Motion

Koeppen and Higgins

Inauguration Diary

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Saturday, January 17, 2009

Our journey to DC began on a cold Grayslake morning as we headed to Milwaukee,Wisc. for our 1:35pm flight on Midwest Airlines to Washington's Reagan Airport. There were no lines, but as we checked in, a small group said they were off to the Inauguration in DC.

As we approached the gate, we were surprised to see only a handful of passengers waiting at the gate. That handful soon grew to a full plane. Just before boarding, an announcement was made looking for volunteers to give up seats on the flight as it was oversold. Being a frugal Republican, I jumped at the chance. Mike and I approached the counter and traded our 1:35pm tickets to Reagan in for two free round-trip tickets and seats on the 1:45pm flight to Washington Reagan with a connection through Boston. We said good-by to or fellow Inauguration attendees and headed to our new gate bound for Boston.

Our flight to Boston was fairly empty which allowed us to stretch and enjoy the 1 hour 45 min flight to Boston's Logan Airport. While on the flight fellow passengers asked where we were going without skipping a beat we said the Inauguration. The older gentleman across from us was very excited to hear about our journey as we described election night in Grant Park and our plans in DC.

A younger guy in the row behind us who we later learned was Billy Janson, a high school student from Higbee, Missouri was heading to Vermont for a ski vacation and didn't seem quite as excited as the older gentleman. About halfway through the flight, Higbee said "so you are going to DC, does that mean you voted for Obama?" I stayed out of this conversation as Mike Higgins debated with this well versed student from a small town in Missouri. Billy's dad served as principal of the high school in town with a student enrollment of 80. I listened to the conversation which focused on Obama's stance on abortion and the fear this young man had of too much government. As I listened there were three things I heard Billy say small town, Christian and experience.

He seemed to have questions regarding the President-elect and made some very good points as he and Mike quietly debated across the aisle. I felt like I was in Senate chambers with Republicans on one side and Democrats on the other. This first encounter was an indication to me that we were about to embark on a journey that would allow us to see and hear from Americans with varied backgrounds and social experiences over the coming days. Something I anticipated and was very much looking forward to!

Our flight landed in Boston behind schedule, which allowed us to test our cardiovascular skills. We quickly learned that Boston Logan was not a passenger friendly airport. We needed to exit a terminal and walk 1 mile to the next terminal forcing us to once again check ourselves and our carry-ons through security. Out of breath, we approached the US Airways counter and were told DC passengers needed to check-in at another counter. Checking in at the counter we had been directed to, we were told you can make the flight if you run. We picked up or bags and ran to gate 18 once again having to pass through security. Once at the gate, we were met by TSA agents who again asked for our boarding passes and IDs before loading the plane. We noticed there was an increase in TSA agents for all DC flights.

Once on the plane we met our new flying friends. At 6'4, US Airways thought it would be fun to put us both in middle seats. We sat down and quickly made friends with our new flying friends. I was seated next to a great mom who indicated she loved to indulge in sinful pleasures on a flight including People magazine, a bag of chips and a glass of white wine. The woman explained her husband was an attorney with John Hancock and she was meeting him in DC. Her agenda included several balls and dinners.

Higgins struck up a conversation with a young lady who he learned was also flying to DC to meet her husband. He was a Director working for Vice President-elect Biden. Higgins tried his best to work us into some cool events, but we weren't able to score any more tickets.

We landed at Reagan at 7:35pm and the airport was hopping. There were several large school groups from all over the United States. We eagerly approached the Midwest baggage office and soon realized they were closed, and our bags, which arrived on our original flight, were nowhere to be found. We decided to go behind the ticket counter to take a look around, but we were nicely told we could be arrested if we were caught back there. Our only option was to call Midwest and of course they had no information. We left the airport without clothes, liquids, etc hoping our bags would show up sometime.

Sunday night we hit the Georgetown area which was noticeably calm. We met a group of girls at The Guard's Bar. As we shared our journey with them they weren't quite as excited as us, having worked at the White House for President Bush in the communications office and another worked for the State Dept. Both were now jobless. It was interesting to hear their insight and stories. We finally made it back to my cousin's condo around 3am and crashed.

Greg Koeppen

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Throughout the night and early morning the sound of helicopters and sirens filled the air. We woke up at 9:30am and got ready to attend mass at Washington National Cathedral (in the same clothes we traveled in Saturday!) As we looked out at the Lincoln Memorial we saw many streets were closed and it looked like we were in a secure area as the building we were staying in was surrounded by Military Police, Secret Service and Washington Metro Police. We were in the heart of the Lincoln Memorial Inauguration Kick-Off Celebration. Mass was crowded and the sermon focused on President-elect Obama and the new administration.

After a brief lunch, we were off to the Washington Convention Center to pick-up our Home State's Ball tickets. As we drove to the center, we noticed an increase in traffic. We waited in a short line which we learned that earlier in the day was over two hours long. The volunteers handing out tickets were very impressed we had tickets to one of the biggest balls in DC!

We left the center and soon learned DC was in gridlock and we were going nowhere fast. Every bridge into the city was packed. We were heading to the airport to pick-up our luggage. After sitting in traffic for 1 hour, we thought it would be best to take the Metro to Reagan.

Before heading to Reagan we wanted to stop by the Lincoln Memorial concert. While heading over Mike looked over and saw a WGN microphone walking by. I said hey it's Robert Jordan. Mr. Jordan and his cameraman were walking past and I said excuse me Mr. Jordan can we take a picture with you. He was very gracious and took the time for a photo.

The concert was ending at the mall so we moved with the masses to the Metro to head to Reagan. Upon arrival we were excited to be reunited with our bags like an old lost friend. We boarded the metro and headed back to the condo, which is located in the heart of all the excitement. My Uncle Mike and Cousin Andrea Guthrie were driving in form Chicago and would be arriving around 6pm.

Their journey to DC was eventful as well. They left at 3:30am Sunday morning and while driving through snow in Ohio the check engine lights came on and they weren't able to travel faster than 50 mph.

Greg Koeppen

Monday, January 19, 2009: 5:23 PM EDT

We were able to sleep in a little this morning as we prepared for a long and busy day.

We (jumped on) the Metro (which was packed) at 10:30am and off to Capitol Hill. My cousin Tim needed to pick up two swearing in tickets at the Capitol Club and we had one ticket to pick up from Congresswoman Melissa Bean. While Tim walked in and got his ticket we looked at the Cannon Building and saw lines that wrapped around the building. I've never seen lines that long! My Uncle Mike Frey volunteered to wait in line as we ventured over to the Capitol to scope out the area.

As we approached the Capitol, we were greeted with the sounds of violins playing and children singing as they tested the sound system for the big event. I got goose bumps! Looking over the Mall, we could see the crowds building. After waiting in line for two hours we once again met up with my Uncle and took his place in line for about one more hour of waiting. Mike Higgins suggested I call Congresswoman Bean's office and when I did they were kind enough to send out an intern to hand-deliver our ticket. Why didn't we think of that two hours prior??

We decided we needed to venture up the Mall and join the thousands of others. What a walk it was. We stopped by the MSNBC booth and got our faces on camera. Next stop was the CNN broadcast spot. Along the Mall and throughout DC folks were selling everything from T-shirts and buttons to Obama condoms (with the slogan "Obama Is Coming!") While walking, I soon decided I was in the wrong business. Why didn't my parents encourage me to open a port-o-potty or fence rental company in Washington DC? I would be a millionaire! We saw thousands of miles of fence and thousands of port-o-pots EVERYWHERE!

After walking past the Mall we decided we needed to head to Mr. Obama's new house… The White House. What an amazing change! The streets usually open to the public had been transformed with massive structures being built around the White House for the parade. We circled the White House and we were forced to go much further away. When I asked a Secret Service officer why the area was closed he indicated there was an incident. Now I was curious so I asked another agent and was told someone threw "something" on the White House lawn which caused a security issue. We weren't sure if that was fact or not as we also speculated President Bush's (helicopter) was landing on the lawn. We later found out it was President Bush returning to his home for the last time.

Our legs were starting to weaken so we decided (to make) one more stop at the World War II Memorial then back to the condo to rest up for the Illinois Society Ball. As we visited WWII and walked by the Lincoln Memorial, we passed thousands of people and many more school groups.

Walking back, I received an email from BBC News asking if we would contact them to discuss our journey. Once contacted, we learned they were interested in interviewing us on Inauguration Day to give an honest American perspective on this historic event.

It's 5:30pm and we have one of the hottest tickets in DC to attend the Illinois State Society Ball. Time to put our tuxes on and show DC what Grayslake has to offer!

Greg Koeppen

Tuesday, January 20, 2009 INAUGURATION DAY!

Well it finally arrived, but not before we attended our first ball the Illinois State Society Ball held at the Marriott Renaissance. With tuxedos on, Mike Higgins, my cousin Tim Frey attended the ball along with 5,000 other guests. Bands, food booze and friendship filled every room we entered. Themes ranged from the Illinois State Fair to the Irish room. We waited in line for about 90 minutes before we were allowed to enter, but we finally got in and stayed till about Midnight. We were fortunate to enjoy conversations with Congressman Mark Kirk and other elected officials including my good friend former Village of Wheeling Mayor Sheila Schultz.

In bed by 1:30am, we were all up again by 5:30am for showers and loading on the layers of cloths. As we ventured out of the condo, we were greeted by thousands of others. The DC streets at 6:30am looked like downtown Chicago at rush hour x100! Every age and walk of life headed to the Mall for the big event. We learned we were fortunate we walked and avoided the Metro as horror stories filled the crowds of 1-2 hour waits and injuries of people falling etc. The Metro system was a mess!

As we approached the Mall the crowds increased and the sun slowly began to rise (didn’t feel as warm as Florida sun!) Mike Higgins, my Uncle and I were forced to take a side street to get to the Blue South section to take our place. My cousin’s Andrea and Tim were in the Silver section just behind us. At one point we walked in a section which was actually extremely dangerous. People were packed so tight. As Mike and I both said, if something goes wrong here, we could be in trouble. Fortunately, we made it out. We waited in a HUGE line until 10:30am at which time we were sent to visit out new friends, the United States Secret Service. They had set-up a secure area which forced us to go through metal detectors and empty out our pockets etc just like the airport. Once through we ventured to our section which and over a wall to get closer. What an amazing view we had. We were close enough to see everything!

The music, cheers and cold air filled the DC air! The only time I was disappointed in the crowd was when they let out loud boo’s for President Bush upon his introduction. While many in the crowd obviously did not support President Bush I thought they would at least have respect for the position he held.

We stayed for the entire ceremony which was very moving and yes as promised I did shed a tear at a few points especially when President and Mrs. Bush were introduced.

After the oath, President Obama gave a wonderful speech that made so many of us feel proud to be Americans. I was very impressed with his challenge to all American’s to step up and support our Country. His threats to nations who do not support us were also reassuring.

As the ceremony ended, Mike and I made out way back through the streets of DC. I have never seen so many people, heard so many sirens and seen so many law enforcement officers. The streets were packed even 3 miles from the Capital. We passed the Tonight Show Team taping segments. Mike and I were both feeling the effects of the cold and standing as we made our way back to the condo. We were scheduled to be interviewed by BBC TV at the ceremony, but the crowds limited our ability to connect with them. While walking back they called me and we were able to meet with them on the streets. They interviewed both Mike and I for a program that is scheduled to appear on BBC America tonight. We even did a fake walk down the street for the cameras (total Cheese)!

We made our way back up and ate a frozen pizza as we were hungry and cold. It’s nap time now as we prepare to attend an “official’’ Presidential Ball (The Home State’s Ball) tonight with the new President.

As I write this the sounds of sirens and helicopters fill the DC area again. What an exciting time for America. Mike and I both said what a proud day to be an American!

Greg Koeppen

Tuesday, January 20, 2009/Evening

All I can say is WOW! This has been the most amazing night of the trip! Tonight we had the great honor of attending the President Obama Home State's Ball for Illinois and Hawaii. This ball was truly unbelievable. We were one again required to pass through a Secret Service check-point. The security and crowd coordination was unbelievable (so much better than the Illinois State Society Ball).

The evening started off with a visit from President Obama and his lovely wife Michelle. We were about 30 feet from President Obama as he thanked the attendees for coming, for their support and for future support. He then asked his wife to share a dance. It was a very special and moving moment.

As the night went on, the ball turned out to be a political "who's who" in Illinois politics. We had an opportunity to talk and get photos with Bill Daley, Alderman Dick Mel, State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Congressman Luis Gutierrez, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, David Axelrod, and Nate Berkus (famed Oprah designer). I thought I died and went to heaven!

Just when we thought we had seen everything an announcer came on and said please welcome the new Vice-President and his wife. Joe and Jill Biden came out and welcomed us and shared a dance as well.

OK, so our night was complete, that's what we thought until once again we heard, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome singer/songwriter Jack Johnson. We were in the right place at the right time as Jack was about 15 feet from us onstage. He put on an amazing show!

We left the Washington Convention Center around midnight and we could hear Maroon 5 taking the stage and thousands of people throughout the convention center smiling, hugging and laughing.

As we walked home, our feet and legs hurt as did everyone else we saw on the Metro. It was a long day, but truly the most historical day of our lives. Tired, achy and cold we discussed the week on our ride/walk and all Mike and I could do was smile and say that was awesome. As I said earlier in this journal, words cannot explain how we felt this week.

We truly hope you have enjoyed reading about our DC journey as much as we have enjoyed sharing it. We still have most of today left in DC, so we will be sure to send one more update. Hopefully this time we won't have to tell you the airline lost our bags.

Greg Koeppen

Wednesday, January 21, 2009 9:30pm CDT

Our last day in DC and honestly we were a little depressed about leaving! The energy that filled the city was still evident, but the crowds, t-shirt sellers and roadblocks were less.

As we got up at 7:30am, we sent my Uncle Mike and Cousin Andrea back on the road for their return drive to Illinois. This time we hoped they wouldn’t encounter car problems.

Cousin Tim was back at work on papers for law school as he had a full day of class while Mike and I decided we needed one more tour of the city.

We started off on a mission to find some Obama collectibles but decided walking by the White House first was priority. The Presidential reviewing stand was being dismantled so we could get a little closer to the White House. While standing at the gates a man yell through the gate to a Secret Service Agent “I am here for an appointment.” The Agent came out of the guardhouse and the man informed him he got a call from Michelle this morning and he needed to get up to the front door of the White House to see her. Before we knew it we had Secret Service Agents around all of us. We decided it wasn’t wise to follow this mans lead so we continued on.

Next stop “Obama Mart” everything you could think of from cloths to flip-flops all overpriced! Mike bought a few items while the cheap Republican in me just looked.

I wanted to make one last stop at the American Farm Bureau Building on Maryland St to show Mike the view of the Capital from the Farm Bureau President’s office. As we approached the office, I saw President Stallman was actually in. He invited us in as he ate lunch and we shared some conversation. He said we were invited to return and enjoy the view anytime (even if he wasn’t in!) What a great guy!

We boarded the Metro to return to Foggy Bottom to eat lunch and get our bags. Life was back to normal on the street as George Washington Law students walked to class. We ate, cleaned up Tim’s condo and got on the Metro to fly out of Reagan National.

The airport was packed with tons of school groups so we sat on the floor as our legs still hurt. The flight was on time, our bags made it home and we returned to Grayslake.

We would like to thank each of you for following us on this journey. We met some great people and we had some great media coverage. Our reporter friend Marcia Sagendorph from the Pioneer Press was great, our friends from the BBC and WBBM radio, Ryan Paglow at the News Sun and the great team at the Daily Herald.

As special thank you to my cousin Tim Frey for sharing his place with us and to my Uncle Mike and Cousin Andrea for sharing in the excitement.

What a trip, what an experience, what a great fortune to be an American!

God Bless the United States of America and best of luck President Obama!

Greg Koeppen

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