ESC members aided VIPs at Ali Center fete

[Hannibal]

Many who attended the Nov. 19 gala opening of Louisville’s Muhammad Ali Center had to stand behind barriers to watch celebrities such as Ali, former President Bill Clinton, Chris Rock, Kris Kristofferson, Angelina Jolie, and Brad Pitt stroll along the red carpet.

But members of Fort Knox’s Enlisted Spouses Club were able to greet and talk with the VIPs in a more personal manner—after putting in some hard work.

Because of an initiative that focuses on getting the club involved with events in surrounding communities, ESC members were selected to serve as volunteers at the Ali Center opening, specifically to welcome celebrities, dignitaries, and the specially invited to the ceremony.

“We engaged many movie stars, welcoming them to the new Ali Center,” said club president Jeryl Calhoun. ‘We gave them directions, answered questions, performed surveillance, and made sure their visit was memorable.”

Due to the fact that so many famous people were scheduled to be at the opening, ESC members had to undergo rigorous security checks through the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“We had to submit names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers so that an FBI security clearance could be obtained prior to getting permission to volunteer,” Calhoun said.

After being cleared, club volunteers were allowed to attend the opening, walk the red carpet, and attend the reception after the opening.
“This is an event that I will never forget,” said club secretary Misty Douglas. “It isn’t every day that you get to participate in something of this nature and for such a wonderful person.

“I never realized how much Ali meant to everyone. I grew up knowing he was a boxer, but didn’t realize how much he has done for humanity.”

Calhoun said that, while the Ali event was a high-profile effort for club volunteers, the ESC is constantly trying to be involved in many areas and all levels of activities on post and in surrounding communities.

“The ESC has always done volunteer missions,” she said, “but the 2005 ESC has taken the club to a new level.”

Douglas said she was thrilled to participate in the nationally televised event, but that the ESC is really all about helping where it can on Fort Knox.

“We are an organization that gives back to Soldiers and their families,” she said. “This was an opportunity to go out an let others know who we are, and show that we care about giving to everyone.”