Jenna Ridgeway
Members and guests of the PebbleCreek Republican Club were treated to a most respectful and entertaining evening of honoring our Veterans on Nov. 7.
The evening began with the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer, and the playing of a video of the “The Star-Spangled Banner” from Fort McHenry. All military theme songs were played as we sang along.
Past President Sue Harrison followed, reading a very moving letter her father sent from Iwo Jima during World War II, from which he never returned. She then described the meaning of the tradition of the Missing Man Table and its special significance.
Vice President Vicki Streeter announced our new charity for 2025, U.S.Vets-Phoenix, describing how our donations could help veterans in need right here at home. Next, all of our veterans were invited to have their photos taken by branch.
A highlight of the evening was recognizing Stanley Bloch as the club’s 2024 Veteran Honoree. We honored Stanley for his outstanding service to our country and to our club with an American Flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol at the request of our congressman, Paul Gosar. He also received a beautiful American Eagle Award.
The main speaker for the evening was Dr. Connie Mariano, who was the White House physician for both Bush presidents as well as President Clinton. She regaled us with her 24-year history of service with the Navy and then being called up to serve the three Presidents as their physician. Her account of moving from Manila to the White House included becoming the first Filipino American physician to reach the rank of Rear Admiral of the Navy and second woman to become Director of the White House Medical Unit. Her insight into the residents of the White House was extremely interesting including a special incident with one of the Presidents. As White House Physician, she not only cared for the leader of the free world and the entire First Family, but she also cared for visiting dignitaries and traveled all over the world with the Presidents in her charge.
Dr. Mariano now resides in Scottsdale where she runs the Center for Executive Medicine. She is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (FACP) and board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine since 1987. In her memoir “The White House Doctor: My Patients were Presidents,” she relates the principles of life that she learned in the Military:
1. Mission comes first > Faith, Family, and Friends
2. Chain of command orders fashion > Take care of yourself first
3. Take care of the troops > Take care of your family
4. Don’t burn your bridges > Have an attitude of gratitude
5. Serve a higher purpose > Have purpose and meaning to your life
We were honored and pleased to have a veteran of such esteemed stature share her life experience.