Palin Sighting Confirmed

[Phil Lilley]

This past summer, I was at my cabin on the Naknek River in SW Alaska, enjoying some salmon fishing and "the great outdoors". My cabin is located at the upper reaches of the Naknek, just as the river flows out of Naknek Lake, and about 15 river miles or more from the town of King Salmon.

We had been to town, driving by the airport we say what we thought was the govenor's plane, Sara Palin. Her husband, Todd, is a commercial fisherman out of Naknek and fishes Bristol Bay. It was close to the end of their season.

One afternoon, I was at the cabin after a morning of sockeye fishing. We see and hear boats and planes all day but I heard a different sound coming from the river... sounded like jet skies! Sure enough, two bright yellow jet skies buzzed by the camp, heading up river toward the lake. The couple wore wet suits and helmets but still, I could make out who I thought they were - Todd and Sara.

Some guys on the dock, who were closer to them, said they thought it was the Palins.

After a while, down they came, back by camp and towards town.

Sara Palin, on her nationwide book tour, stopped a couple of nights ago and spoke at the College of the Ozarks here in Branson. A dinner before the event and a reception following was offered for a ticket price of $250. The money raised would go to the school in support of student trips overseas to WWII battlegrounds including Normandy and Battle of the Bulge with WWII veterans who fought those battles. C of O in partnership with The Greatest Generation Foundation make this happen 3 times annually.

Back to my story... we attended the dinner, program and reception and got to have our picture taken with Sara. This was my chance to ask her, for sure, was that her and Todd we saw this summer on the river.

We were ushered through very quickly and asked not to dottle. But I needed to dottle!! Our time came to be presented and se stood and they took their pics. I had debated how was the best way to ask the question in the fewest words and still, maybe, she might understand what I was talking about. So I asked, "Were you and Todd jet skiing on the Naknek River in July?" She misunderstood my question at first but I repeated Naknek River and see replied, as I was carted off, really- pulled away, "yes... we were racing!"

I got my answer. Pretty cool I thought.

I know alot of people would like 30 seconds of her undivided time and it would have been nice to have but she had had a very long and daunting day and I will add, she did extremely well with all that we saw. Still energetic as she left the reception.

Here's a link to info on C of O's involvement with vets - http://www.cofo.edu/PR110509.asp

[Phil Lilley]

By the way, Duane and MonaChari were the ones on the dock that saw them on the river. They knew for sure it was her but I had to make sure.

[denjac]

You lucky dog! Tell the truth is she hot looking in person? And dont tell me you didnt notice.

[ness]

Cool story, regardless of your political leanings.

BTW -- I think that program with the students going to Europe is fantastic. I read the articles (last summer?) from one of the kids that went over. I'm gonna check out that link.

A couple years ago I was on a layover in Washington DC and a planeload of WWII vets landed. I've forgotten the name of the organization, but they arrange these flights so they can come see the new memorial. Anyhow, it literally brought tears to my eyes to see these guys, all in the twilight of their lives, coming for the day to see the memorial.

Didn't mean to hijack the thread.

[Phil Lilley]

Not at all.

The presentation of the Greatest American Awards trumped Palin's talk, as far as I was concerned. It would have trumped anyone! It was very moving to see those vets and to hear their stories.

This is from the CofO website -

Because of the Governor’s unfailing support of her country and countrymen who serve in the military, College of the Ozarks awarded the Governor the inaugural Great American Award. The Great American Awards are given by the College to individuals whose lives reflect great credit on the mission, goals and vision of College of the Ozarks. Patriotism is one of the important goals of the College. Along with Palin, seven individuals received Great American Awards. The Governor expressed that she was honored and humbled to be among such company.

One individual honored with a Great American Award is WWII Veteran John Cipolla, who served as a rifleman in the 101st Airborne Division, 501st regiment, Company C during the invasion of Normandy and of Holland, the Battle of the Bulge, Battle of Alsace and central Europe. At one point during his service, Cipolla was severely wounded and left for the dead on the battlefield. Only after he groaned while being heaved onto a death cart did fellow soldiers discover that he was still alive.

During his recovery, Cipolla heard his regiment was to paratroop into Holland. Not willing to let his comrades land in enemy territory without him, Cipolla checked himself out of the hospital and hitchhiked to the airbase only to find his company already gone. Determined to follow them, he hitched a ride with British paratroopers, becoming the only American soldier to parachute in to Holland among British troops.

Another Great American Honoree is WWII Veteran Alvin Henderson, who served in the 101st Airborne Division, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment. Henderson had jumped into Normandy and Holland before walking into a German ambush and then captured. He spent the remainder of the war as a Prisoner of War.

Stories like that of Veteran John Cipolla and Veteran Alvin Henderson flavored the evening with true patriotism, not found in a bottle, but present in the perseverance and sacrifice of those who fought for the American way. From these stories and wisdom offered by Governor Palin, attendees had an opportunity to rediscover love for their nation and cement their admiration for our servicemen and women who protect freedom.

[Bman]

Quite a story. Seeing Sara on a jet ski, and meeting in person.

[trout fanatic]

Phil, I opened this thread expecting a train wreck (base on the title). Great post!

[kdan]

WOW!!! Good story!

[eric1978]

Quite a story. Seeing Sara on a jet ski, and meeting in person.

POST EDITED

No doubt she's a great fundraiser.

[Rolan Duffield]

Thanks for sharing, Phil. I'm sure we will be seeing her more in the future. She inspires people.

Rolan