First Lady Michelle Obama greets surprised members of the Sedlik family in the White House: from left, Sophia, Mason, and their mother Sandra. Photo from White House video.
by Timothy Rutt
An Altadena family, visiting Washington to attend their father's Arlington burial, were surprised last week to find themselves the guests of FIrst Lady Michelle Obama.
Jeff Sedlik said that his family was in Washington to attend the burial of his father in Arlington National Cemetery. Lt. Col. Dr. Jay Sedlik, USAF ret., served for 20 years, including two tours in Vietnam as the chief of combat photography for the Air Force. Jeff Sedlick said that his father died in December after 14 years of battling with a type of cancer that probably resulted from exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam:
"At Arlington National Cemetery he received full military honors, including a horse drawn caisson, a full marching band, a 21 gun salute, a bugler, a riderless horse, and an honor guard."
Pictured: Lt. Col. Jay Sedlik. Photo (c) Jeff Sedlik.
The Air Force also approved a "missing man" flyover -- an unusual honor for the funeral of anyone ranking lower than a general -- but it was canceled at the last minute because President Barack Obama was departing at the same time -- ironically, for a fundraiser in Los Angeles.
Sedlik said that Congressman Adam Schiff's office scheduled a tour of the White House and the Pentagon for the family while it was in Washington. He also wrote to the White House in advance, relating his father's story and requesting a tour of the West Wing, which was denied as the First Lady was in residence at the time.
When they arrived at the White House on Feb. 16, the 30-some members of the Sedlik family -- children, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, and family friends -- found that the regular tourist tour had been cancelled and they were being given a special tour. "The security guard told my mother 'sorry for your loss,' without prompting," Sedlik said. "Another security guard informed us that there would be a surprise for us."
Pictured: Michelle Obama greets Jeff Sedlik in the White House Blue Room. Photo from White House video.
The family was ushered into the Blue Room to be greeted by the First Lady.
"Mrs. Obama was very gracious and kind, and thanked my mother for my father's service," Sedlik said. She hugged multiple family members, and said that more people should volunteer for military service. "She did not give any indication of being rushed," Sedlik said.
She even let the grandchildren hug and pet Bo, the Presdential dog, who was also there.
"Some people in our party were crying," Sedlik said. "She gave us all a big smile, and regardless of one's politics, there is the honor of the office, and to have someone [in such a position] give their time."
The visit ran about half an hour, Sedlik said.
The Sedliks had another connection to the Obamas: the fundraiser the President was attending was $35,000 a plate affair hosted at the Holmby Hills mansion of Bradley and Colleen Bell, executive producers of the soap "The Bold and the Beautiful." Sedlik's wife Sandra had worked for the Bells for eight years.
