I am about to take two separate groups to DC, and I'm looking for some advice.
The first is my squadron, is there a good contact at NatCap to get a good tour of the pentagon?
The second is the junior class where I work. The question here is, does anyone have, or know where I could get a scavenger hunt for the mall?
Thanks!
^ If I remember correctly the National Park Service has activities for various locations on their site, or they did. Check that out. When are you going to DC? Sounds like fun, perhaps you need Colagan and myself to meet you at the Bar down there?? ;D
Will...I've got a list of DC attractions of various descriptions, if you like. I have nearly all my CAP files dumped to my external due to Vista issues, but I can probably find it. (I hope) Likey and I will meet you down there and help you conquer things. >:D I know DC very well by now, so gimme a call if you need advice.
Just remember that for your Squadron they have to be in blues the entire time they're in the district per regs.
Now as far as the Pentagon I'm not sure. I haven't heard if they're doing tours again and if they are it might take a while because of background checks. The White House takes 6 months to get on the list and you need to give them names and SS#'s for ALL people going. If you show up with someone else they have to sit out side with security. I know this form trying to set a trip up last year. Congress isn't as difficult. Also if you go to the Hill all Senior members must wear their service coats per regs.
D.C. tours would always make a great summer activity, I think. To add to this discussion, what are the best options for military lodging in or around the Military District of Washington if you can get an MSA?
If you contact your state's members of congress ahead of time, you can arrange to get special tours of the White House and/or the Capitol building.
it is possible to get billeting go through your wing for that. also remember as I stated above the people in your squadron are supposed to be in uniform and polyester in a DC Summer isn't a fun idea.
Quote from: Frenchie on March 20, 2008, 01:26:09 PM
If you contact your state's members of congress ahead of time, you can arrange to get special tours of the White House and/or the Capitol building.
As I said above White House takes 6 months to get. No exceptions.
Quote from: NERMA002 Safety on March 20, 2008, 01:27:13 PM
Quote from: Frenchie on March 20, 2008, 01:26:09 PM
If you contact your state's members of congress ahead of time, you can arrange to get special tours of the White House and/or the Capitol building.
As I said above White House takes 6 months to get. No exceptions.
Depends on who you know...there used to be a Spaatz Mafia guy there when Clinton was in office, Shawn P O'Shea was his name and he gave us our tour, definitely not 6 months to arrange.
Quote from: jimmydeanno on March 20, 2008, 01:42:45 PM
Quote from: NERMA002 Safety on March 20, 2008, 01:27:13 PM
Quote from: Frenchie on March 20, 2008, 01:26:09 PM
If you contact your state's members of congress ahead of time, you can arrange to get special tours of the White House and/or the Capitol building.
As I said above White House takes 6 months to get. No exceptions.
Depends on who you know...there used to be a Spaatz Mafia guy there when Clinton was in office, Shawn P O'Shea was his name and he gave us our tour, definitely not 6 months to arrange.
This is a new thing that they've instated. That is what you will be told by your reps in Congress. That's what I was told by them last year when I called trying to set one up. It used to be much easier but things have unfortunatley changed due to the current affairs in the world.
For your CAP tour, visit the NATCAP Wing web page setup for CAP Visitors to the DC Area at http://www.natcapwg.cap.gov/visitors
If you need any other ideas, let me know. I live (and have lived all my life) about 30-45 minutes outside of DC and work next door to Andrews AFB. I found it a bit ironic that when I went on IACE, our tour guide of sorts for the DC phase lived further away from DC than myself and one other member of my group.
--
MICHAEL A. CROCKETT, Capt, CAP
Deputy Commander for Seniors
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Composite Squadron
You are both correct. Tours of the WH are severely restricted and involve significant lead times to arrange through Hill contacts. That is unless you know the right person. I was also a member of the "Spaatz mafia" that had successfully infiltrated the highest levels of power during the Clinton and Bush Administrations. Like Shawn, who was assigned to the Executive Office of the President (EOP), my position as a member of the Vice President's National Security Staff permitted me to clear in and escort small groups (6/<) for after-hours tours of the West Wing. I did this on numerous occasions for members of my squadron, fellow Spaatz awardees (those that knew the secret handshake), and a former National CC. I have since left that position. If anyone can identify a current CAP member, who holds a "blue badge" for WH access, it is possible something similar could be arranged through direct contact with that member. -- Regards