Social Media, the POTUS, and Thanks

The end of 2010 brought up a totally unexpected social media opportunity – to watch the arrival of Air Force One and its primary passenger, President Barack Obama. President Obama and the First Family have been making it their Holiday tradition to vacation in Hawaii, but never would I have thought that I would be there as Air Force One touched down.

I’ve been fortunate to attend several exciting social media adventures with the DoD throughout 2010, but this event has to rate highly.  An out-of-the-blue email invitation, a submission for a press pass, and I was approved to attend!

So even though Air Force One was scheduled for a late night arrival, hours-long waiting and several security checks weren’t a deterrent.  And it was over quickly.  After Air Force One taxied at Hickam, President Obama, Senator Akaka, and Representative Hirono deplaned and went their own ways.

See more arrival pictures.

But this social media-borne opportunity was not over. At the end of the First Family’s 12-day Hawaiian stay, I was invited to the departure of Air Force One. Along with other social media enthusiasts and traditional media, we watched as Bo, Sasha, Malia, Michelle, and Barack Obama boarded Air Force One for Washington DC.

What a way to end 2010 and welcome in 2011!

Thanks to the Air Force, PACAF, and PACOM for this unique opportunity and special thanks to Scott Morifuji for giving us newbies a clue.