MONDAY, MAY 8TH – NASHVILLE TO FAIRBANKS, ALASKA – GARY SINISE FOUNDATION TOUR FEATURING VINNIE MONTEZ AND MATT SCANNELL
This will be the first tour of 2023 for The Gary Sinise Foundation. This tour features Vinnie Montez – a “cop” and comedian — and Matt Scannell – lead singer from the popular rock group “Vertical Horizon”. As you will probably remember, Matt was on my New Year’s Eve Tour as well last December/January.
Off to a very “rocky” start on this one…..
Received a message at 10 pm Sunday night that my flight to Atlanta on Monday was delayed. I know that when they issue statements like that so far in advance, it is just a “teaser” for things to come! From lots of prior experience and an abundance of caution, I called Delta to find an earlier flight to Atlanta. The only flight that had a seat available was departing at 6:00 am. That meant leaving for the airport at 4:15 am. That also meant an 8 ½ hour layover in Atlanta!
Normally, I would have been packed and ready to fly at least 3 days ago. But I was babysitting Zac and Zoe since Thursday so did not have time to pack. I usually keep packing cubes already filled with what I need for international trips and then just “downsize” those for trips in the USA. This time I didn’t have the luxury of “time” to go through everything so I just packed it all. My bag weighed 63 pounds when I checked in! More than it has ever weighed on an international flight. I have no idea what I’ve put in there that weighs so much.
I wasn’t able to reach my driver that late so Lindsey said she would take me. I hated to make her do that and thankfully the driver called me a little before 11 pm and said he was available.
We departed at 4:15 am and when I checked in at the kiosk, I could only check my bag to Atlanta. I got in the line and the man in front of me took almost 20 minutes to get checked in. When I finally was able to talk to the check-in agent, she said I could only check my bag to Atlanta and then would have to pick it up and recheck it. While I have plenty of time to do that, I really didn’t want to have to go to baggage claim and then to the main check-in area in Atlanta. She told me to just leave it in baggage claim and go back and get it later when it was closer to check in time for my flight. Evidently she never flies anywhere because that was a ridiculous statement. There are hundreds of bags left at baggage claim and it would have been impossible to find mine without spending a lot of time looking later in the day.
She typed something into the computer and then said she got it checked to Seattle and I would have to pick it up there. I reminded her that I only have 2 hours in Seattle and not enough time to do it there. Told her to just switch it back to have me pick up in Atlanta. She typed again and said she was able to get me checked through to Fairbanks.
The 6 am flight landed on time at 8 am. I had googled “sleeping at the Atlanta Airport” and found something called “Minute Suites” that sounded promising. I was able to rent one using my Priority Pass card (first time in decades I’ve used it. It was just a single room with a desk, chair and a sofa with a trundle bed. The sofa was the hardest leather I’ve ever sat on. They gave me a pillow and a blanket and I slept for two hours. Got up and worked the remainder of the time except for one trip to the Delta Sky Lounge to eat lunch and try to talk to someone about my checked bag. With an 8 1/2 hour layover in Atlanta, my fear is I’ll never see it again. The Delta agent in the Sky Club was able to pull it up and assured me it would be on my flight. I still don’t hold much hope that it will. My Delta App still shows that it is on the flight from Nashville to Atlanta which is still “in-flight” – 8 hours after we landed.
The flight from Atlanta to Seattle departed on time but for the first hour of the flight, the Wi-Fi didn’t work. When I was finally able to connect, I had dozens of messages about Matt’s flight being delayed and he wouldn’t make his connection tonight. His best option was to try to make it to Burbank to take a flight on Alaska Airlines. But he had to wait to get his bag off the Delta flight and then fight traffic to Burbank. He almost made it but not quite. The travel agent has him booked on a flight out at 7 am tomorrow morning via Seattle and arriving Fairbanks at 2:00 pm – in a perfect world!
Instead of sleeping all the way to Seattle (5 ½ hours), I was able to work and get caught up on a lot of things. We landed on time and James had also just arrived from San Francisco. Vinnie had been in Seattle since 2:30 pm. We all met at the gate and grabbed a quick “snack” before boarding our flight to Fairbanks – a 3 ½ hour flight. I slept almost the entire flight!
We landed in Fairbanks at midnight, grabbed our bags, picked up the rental SUV and headed to Ft. Wainwright – a 10 minute drive from the airport. The person working the midnight shift at the gate was really sweet but the person inside the “shack” where we had to get our visitors passes was not so friendly. We finally arrived at the Holiday Inn on the base and got checked into our rooms. By then it was after 1:30 am and everyone headed straight to bed. Except for me. I’m writing this Road Report. LOL.
It’s 3:30 am in Fairbanks which means it’s 6:30 am in Nashville. Have to go to bed now before the emails start pouring in. Hoping Matt’s flights are problem free tomorrow.
Jude
TUESDAY, MAY 9TH – FT. WAINWRIGHT, ALAKSA:
Woke up to hundreds of emails, most of which demanded immediate attention. This time difference is brutal!
Also received the good news that Matt’s flight from Burbank to Seattle departed on time and his flight from Seattle to Fairbanks was also on time. Will definitely relax once he is on the ground.
Was able to work most of the morning and met James and Vinnie in the lobby to depart to the airport to pick up Matt at 2 pm. We had to detour to the mail processing center to try and retrieve a package that the GSF had overnighted to us. Unfortunately it had not been delivered and we’re having a dilemma about how to get it if it comes in after we have departed to Clear Space Force Station tomorrow.
Matt landed on time and it was great to see him again! His knee is healing nicely and I don’t even detect a limp!
We stopped at a HUGE Fred Meyers store (Kroger in Nashville!) and purchased way too much food to store in our hotel rooms. The store has a nice, big “health food” section that we all loved. We stop there with all the groups who come here to perform. While we were shopping, I received a phone call from the hotel telling me that a package had been delivered for me. Really thankful we got that issue resolved in our favor.
I knew Matt was going to be tired so we excused him from having an early dinner with us. We had to stop at the Visitor’s Center to pick up his Visitor’s pass. However, as soon as we arrived, their computers went down and they couldn’t give him a pass. We were told that we needed someone to come to the Visitor’s Center and “sponsor” him in. I had to call Angela (our POC at Wainwright)
We dropped him off at the hotel and James, Vinnie and I drove to a local Mediterranean Restaurant called “Aurora”. It looked a little suspect from the outside and there were no cars parked in their parking lot – which is never a good sign. Of course, it was only 5 pm so a little early for the dinner crowd. Glad we decided to eat there because the food was excellent.
I had to run by Wal-Mart because my pop socket came off my iPhone “somewhere” and I am lost without it. Then we went by a local ice cream shop for dessert.
Everywhere we went today, Vinnie talked to anyone who would listen – spreading the word about the shows he will be performing and thanking everyone for their service.
Tomorrow morning we drive 1 ½ hours to Clear Space Force Station for our first performance. Everyone is so excited and I’m hoping we have full capacity at the performance tomorrow night.
Jude
WEDNESDAY, MAY 10TH – FIRST PERFORMANCE IN ALASKA – CLEAR SPACE FORCE STATION:
I got up at 7 after going to bed at 2 am and once again, woke up to hundreds of emails to answer. We had a 10 am lobby call for the drive to Clear Space Force Base. I had Matt and Vinnie make a quick video to send to Gary just thanking him for allowing them this opportunity. Almost as soon as I sent it, he called as we were driving to clear. I didn’t realize he had called on a Facetime video chat so I put the phone up to my ear. Matt had to tell me it was a “video” call. Guess Gary got a good view of the inside of my ear. Jeez!!!
I passed the phone around and let everyone say “hello”. As soon as the called ended, the guys called their girlfriends and said, “You’re never going to guess who just called me”!!! LOL.
It was about an hour and a half drive to the base. I was at this base for the first time in November of 2021 with The Triple Threat Comedy tour. It’s a very small base but very, very “cool”. Our POC TSGT John Teamer met us and we stopped by the Polar Bar where our show will take place. Also met our other POC – MSGT James Brown. After a quick “walk around” the venue, we went to the DFAC for lunch – which was surprisingly great food. Vinnie has never eaten in a DFAC before and loved it. Matt went around the room and invited everyone to the performance.
Next stop was the Space Defense area where we were given the “backstage” tour. It’s the same tour they give the Joint Chief of staff and Department of Defense. And, it was one of the absolute coolest things any of us have participated in ever. Unfortunately, we had to turn in our cell phones when we entered and so were not allowed to take photos. I have no way of documenting all the amazing things we saw and were told today. But it was so awesome!!!
We went back to the venue for a quick mic check. Jonathan from the production company was already there and setting up. After the mic check, there was another trip back to the DFAC for dinner – again great food. Matt and Vinnie both worked the room tonight soliciting everyone to attend the performance. We all went to the shopette and purchased LOTS of swag with Clear Space Force Base written on it.
The show started on time to a PACKED HOUSE. John welcomed everyone and then a video telling about the mission of the Foundation was played. After that, Gary had made a “personal” video just for each base and the service personnel loved that! Matt performed first and the attendees (young and older) knew every word of his songs! Vinnie was up next and I’ve never seen his show. He is so FUNNY!!!
The show ended on time and Matt and Vinny took photos with everyone who wanted one.
Last time I was here, we stayed on Clear Space Force Base overnight. As we were leaving tonight, we were supposed to stop by a Subaru in the parking lot to take a photo with a couple of guys and we totally forgot. James remembered after we had gotten off the base and we all made the unanimous decision that we should go back. Thankfully, the guys were still there and we didn’t have any problems getting back on the base.
I can’t tell you how many people we met that were former and current police officers. Vinnie was definitely in his element with the audience (and all the “police” that we met). Thank you, Rebecca at Ft. Wainwright, for your input in helping me decide that Vinnie and Matt were the right “fit” for the men and women serving in this area.
Overall, we met over 100 men and women during our Unit visit and in the DFAC today plus had a packed house at the performance. Everyone is so appreciative to Gary and the Foundation not only for providing them with this special visit but for what he does for them on a daily basis. It’s such an honor to be associated with him and the GSF. What a great way to kick off this tour.
When we arrived back at Ft. Wainwright, we had to go to the Guard Shack again to try and get a Visitor’s Pass for the remainder of the week for Matt. As you remember, the computer system went down yesterday and they would only give him a one-day pass. Once again, the guards were super nice and friendly. While we were sitting in the car talking to them about what we needed, we noticed that mosquitos as big as birds were everywhere. They had completely covered a vehicle parked nearby and we were all freaked out. Matt and I had to walk over to the Guard Shack from our car and James and Vinnie refused to come with us because of the mosquitos. We actually ran to the shack. Thankfully, there was a different person on duty – not the very unfriendly one from the two previous visits. But, the person working had to call the mean person to get approval! We got a pass for the rest of the week for Matt and then had to go back into the mosquito infested area to get to the car. Keep in mind, it does not get dark here! This time Matt and I both were waving our arms like helicopter blades trying to get the mosquitos away from us. I’m sure the guards were laughing like crazy. I promise you, if I had to work out side like those guards, I’d wear a Haz-Mat suit every day. All I could think of was that scary Alfred Hitchcock movie – The Birds!
What a great day with memories to last a lifetime. I am so blessed to not only be able to personally thank everyone on Gary’s behalf but to work with such wonderful entertainers and James who share my passion for making sure those serving know how grateful we are for their sacrifices.
Jude
THURSDAY, MAY 11TH – PERFORMANCE AT FT. GREELY, ALASKA:
I forgot to mention that I constantly hear “jokes” about our Space Force. After the tour we had yesterday, I will be the first to stand up and applaud this Division of the U.S. Airforce. These guys are doing important work in securing our country and we should all sleep better at night knowing they are on duty!
Today will be our second show. Time here is going by so quickly! I was able to work until our departure at noon. It was almost a 2 hour drive to Fort Greely. The last time I was there was also November 2021 with the Triple Threat Comedy Tour. It is a very small base and a “partner” with Clear Space Force Station.
The show was held in the Aurora CAC – a beautiful Community Activities Center. Our POC Jess is awesome. I worked with her when I was here last and she had everything ready for us. Jonathan had already arrived and had everything almost ready for mic check. I was very surprised to run into Rick who I met in Japan last November with Kellie Pickler! He’s here now and over MWR at both Fort Wainwright and Fort Greely! Great guy. Then a few hours later, I ran into Michelle who was in Hawaii last July when I was there for the 4th of July celebrations with Chase Rice! She’s also working with MWR at Ft. Wainwright and Ft. Greely.
After the Mic check, we drove a short distance to the DFAC to meet some of the men and women and invite them to come to the show. When we got back to the CAC, I realized my phone was missing and had a panic attack. Finally located it in the car!
The SGT Major came backstage to welcome us and gave everyone a really nice certificate of appreciation. He then stayed for the entire show. It was a great audience and another “home run” as far as the performances. I love visiting the smaller bases like Clear and Greely because they are usually the ones who rarely receive entertainment.
After the show, Matt and Vinnie took photos with everyone and stayed around to chat with lots of people for a while. On the drive over form Ft. Wainwright, the roads were terrible. I’m sure it is because of the severe weather they have here. I used my cell phone’s personal WiFi on the drive over but for some reason there was less than 15 minutes total of WiFi on the drive home. We arrived back at the hotel at around 10:30 pm and have a noon lobby call tomorrow.
Jude
FRIDAY, MAY 12TH – PERFORMANCE AT FT. WAINWRIGHT, ALASKA:
I definitely don’t need to set an alarm on this tour! With the text messages, FB messages, and What’s App messages coming in at all hours, sleep is not in the game plan. LOL. All good.
Was able to get a few more emails answered this morning before meeting the guys in the lobby to go to the Police Station. We were invited to attend a “Proclamation” signing since this was Police Week. Most of the attendees were either police or soldiers but my friend from previous visits – the amazing Colonel Surrey – was also there. It was so great to see him again! We took photos with everyone after the ceremony and hung around to chat for a while. Then we went to lunch at “The Chowder House” (now my new favorite restaurant in Fairbanks!). I had the Hungarian Mushroom soup (which was the “special” of the day) and some chicken salad. They gave me their green pepper vinaigrette dressing (not sure why because there wasn’t any lettuce on the salad!) and it was amazing! I tried to buy some to bring home but they only had a bowl with a lid on it to put it in. That definitely would not work!
Had a few minutes back at the room to work some more and then headed over to the venue. While the Production Company was loading in, I called United Airlines about upgrading my flight to Guam in August with Chingy. I only stayed on hold for 1 hour and 43 minutes this time….but I got it done!
Matt and Vinnie came over 15 minutes before show time and did their Mic Check. Angela with MWR arrived around that time as well. It was great to see her again, too. Colonel Surrey also came to the backstage area and presented everyone with a really cool certificate.
We had another large crowd tonight! As with all the shows, we begin with an informational video about the GSF and then move to a personal video message from Gary. Matt has been opening all the shows and he had a really energetic crowd tonight. Vinnie followed up with a terrific show as well! These guys are such pros!!!
We had a photo session afterwards and then went into the Green Room and talked with Colonel Surrey and the MWR staff for a while. We decided to take our food to our rooms with us and left the venue shortly after 10 pm.
We are all trying to pack a lot of our things tonight because we won’t have much time to do so tomorrow night after the performance at Eielson. Can’t believe tomorrow night is our last show! The time has just flown by!!! Alaska was definitely the right choice when we were discussing “where” we should go with this tour. There have been so many smiles, belly laughs and people singing along on this tour. So wonderful.
Jude
SATURDAY, MAY 13TH AND SUNDAY MAY 14TH, 2023 — PERFORMANCE AT EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE:
What a fantastic way to end our tour! We met in the lobby at 10 am and drove about 15 minutes to Little Richards Dinar. I remembered eating there years ago and it being a local favorite. The place was packed but only took 25 minutes to get seated. While we were waiting, a nice lady recognized Vinnie and came over to say hello and have a photo taken with him. She said she was coming to the show tonight. I asked her to bring some friends with her.
Breakfast was amazing. I ordered the smallest stack of pancakes they had and it was still huge. Only ate maybe 1/4 of it. The waitress said I could have ordered the child’s plate.
Next stop was The Santa Claus House for a photo with Santa and a little shopping. It is a huge tourist trap but worth seeing. I purchased a massive amount of fudge for my family.
We arrived at the base early so we stopped by the Exchange to buy a few things. I had to get yet another duffle bag that I will only use once so I can get the weight down on my suitcase.
Keep in mind that at every stop, we are swarmed by mosquitos. I don’t understand why we seem to be the only people waving our arms frantically over our heads and racing into the buildings or back to our car! Maybe everybody else is covered with DEET.
We stopped by the venue to drop our bags and check out the show room. Then our first unit visit was with the 355 FW for a tour of the F35. I had toured this aircraft previously but the guys had never seen it. Of course, we were not allowed to take photos or touch it. Still, the guys were mesmerized. We took photos with everyone and secured promises from them to attend the show.
Next stop was the 354 SFS for a “virtual reality” experience. I let the guys spend the time we had there wearing the headpiece. Vinnie has experienced VR training in the past but never one like this according to him. Took photos with them and invited them to the show as well.
We stopped by the venue and learned that our production company had not arrived. James called him and he said he had run into traffic. There were several volunteers who had been waiting to assist and James was able to at least get them started on placing the stage but then we had to leave to go to Pagoda Restaurant for dinner. Pagoda is another famous local spot for Chinese food. I have eaten take out from there many times and again the portions are HUGE! I had the sesame chicken and could not eat half of it. But it sure was good.
When we got back to the venue, the stage was set and the guys did a quick sound check before the doors opened. I have worked with Theodore and Edison at this base for years and they always take great good care of us. They did this time as well.
The local USO brought in free chips and dip , salsa and non-alcoholic beverages for everyone. There was a great turnout for the show but about 20 minutes in, a Marine walked in and tapped another Marine on the shoulder. Then the entire squadron left! Turns out they had to go back into the field. I don’t know who was more disappointed — us or them. Fortunately more people filtered in and soon the empty seats were filled.
It was a fantastic “Finale” for our tour. Adding the QR code was definitely a good idea as I received lots of feedback that I can share with Gary and the Foundation.
We took photos with everyone then drove back to lodging at Ft. Wainwright for quick showers then left for the airport. Our flight departed at 1:30 am and we all flew to Seattle together.
Arrived Seattle on time and all our flights were in time. Matt was able to get on an earlier flight to LAX. James and I flew to Atlanta and then to Nashville. Didn’t arrive back until 5:00 pm tonight.
Definitely happy with all the venues, attendance, and wonderful entertainers on this tour. All our POC’s at each base were outstanding! And working with James is such a pleasure. We work together so easily it’s as though we have been doing these tours together for years instead of one year. Alaska is such a remote area and the suicide rate is high there. All the bases told us how important it is to get the men and women serving out of their rooms where they tend to isolate themselves. It was fantastic to see the people who attended the shows smiling and laughing and singing along. Everyone we meet talks about how much Gary Sinise does for the military and they are so appreciative of his support. And I am so blessed to have him in my life.
Jude