I received an amazing opportunity to be a part of a small group of welcomers in Las Vegas for President Obama’s visit to North Las Vegas as part of election campaigning for Hillary Clinton during the early voting.  As a photographer, I’ve been fortunate enough to photograph some well known subjects through the course of my work, but this was a personal event as a guest.  It was so nice to be able to enjoy this moment and be present without the pressure of having to get the shot!

The sky was grey and uninteresting.  I added one in that I liked better.

Air Force One is impressive.  I’ve seen it numerous times while living in Los Angeles in the neighborhood of LAX, but this was the closest I’ve ever been.

At first I thought we would just be able to see him deplane and walk to his car, but he walked over to shake our hands before driving off to his speech.  The way he carried himself as he walked over was amazing to watch.  In my mind, “Turn my Swag On” by Soulja Boy Tell’em was playing.

It was absolutely surreal to be able to shake his hand.  Not only did I vote for him twice, but he was my Commander in Chief as I served in the Coast Guard and he signed my retirement certificate when I retired just this spring.  I’m incredibly grateful that I was invited.  Thank you to my dear friend for thinking of me and thank you, Mr. President.