LtCol Steve Chealander
Ellie Daly
The April 12 meeting of the PebbleCreek Singles Club following the usual business meeting had the opportunity to hear LtCol Steve Chealander, Air Force (Retired), who carried the “Football” (Nuclear Codes) during the Reagan administration worldwide. His presentation started with how he received the opportunity to always be a few feet from the President. This included a very in-depth background check and multiple interviews. As a result, he was offered the position and moved his family to Washington, D.C. Steve told of some of his travels around the world with the President. One that was a real eye opener was, while in Berlin President Reagan gave the speech that included “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” Included in his speech he honored Steve’s father who served in World War II. One of the many stories at the Reagan Ranch were of him learning horseback riding, as he was required to never be more than a few feet from the President no matter where he was. Steve was impressed by how Reagan talked and remembered everyone he ever encountered or came in contact with.
Steve was also very involved in getting the Wing of the Reagan Library to house Air Force One. The library organizers asked if they could have his uniform, little did he know what they were going to do with it. To his surprise going through Air Force One on opening day, he saw his likeness sitting in his uniform in the same seat he sat in while flying with President Reagan. Ronald Reagan was genuine, kind, and thought about others. If you ever get the chance to hear LtCol Steve Chealander speak, do so—he has so many more stories to tell.