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White House Military Social Aides

The White House Military Social Aides have played an important role in the life of the White House since the earliest days of our government. They have assisted the President with diplomatic protocol at State events, at annual meetings with the leaders of Congress and the Federal Judiciary, and at other significant social events. Military Social Aides play the role of assistant hosts at the White House, insuring that these events are conducted efficiently and with dignity, as behooves the President of the United States. These oral history videos from members of The Society of White House Military Aides detail the important work of this position in the Executive Mansion.

A Video Introduction

The White House Military Social Aides

Ambassador Abelardo L. Valdez (Ret.)

Military Aide, 1965 - 1967; U.S. Chief of Protocol, 1979 - 1981

William Q. Sinnott and Kelley Brown

Sinnott, Military Aide, 1978 - 1981; Brown, Military Aide during Clinton & Bush Administrations

Ewart Brian Smith

Recollections

David M. Pitcher

Recollections

Gayle Andrew Lawrence

Recollections

Sandra V. Richardson

Recollections

Roger T. McNamara

Recollections

Kenn Riordan, Jr.

Recollections