Newton science teacher attends presidential inauguration

By Laurie Gordon
Newton — A Newton High School science teacher hand a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the presidential inauguration where our country saw a real estate mogul and reality TV star become the 45th president of the United States . On Friday, January 20, president-elect Donald Trump was officially sworn in, and Michael Bussow was there to see it.
It all started when Bussow attended a National Education Association (NEA) National Meeting and Representative Assembly in Washington DC last summer.
“I was stimulated by the buzz of our nation’s capital,” he said, “And I was hoping for another opportunity to visit the city and to be involved in an event.
Shortly after the November election, he researched volunteer opportunities for the inauguration and completed an online application to the Presidential Inaugural Committee.
“The process was simple, providing basic personal and employment information. There was one drop-box for additional relevant information,” Bussow said. “I kept it simple, currently employed as a high school science teacher, prior experience working for the Sussex County Sheriff’s Department, and actively involved in church and community events, a Past Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus Council 12974 of Sandyston. I said that I would be available from Tuesday through Saturday of Inauguration week, hoping that would improve my chances.”
He completed the application in early December, and on January second, he received notice that he was one of 5,000 volunteers selected for submission to the United States Secret Service for security clearance. He was asked to submit a photo at that time to be used for his credentials and then received an email late Thursday night, January 12, in forming him that he was certain to be cleared and to secure plans to attend.
Bussow said, “Within a few days, I was told to report at 7:00 am on Thursday, January 19, and at 4:30 am on Friday, January 20. I was provided with a location, but no details of my assignment. There were about 5,000 volunteers selected for various times and locations throughout the week. Most of the volunteers that I worked with were from the Washington DC area. Many that I spoke with had retired from careers with various government agencies. Others were able to arrange time from their present jobs. Experiences varied, there were some educators, a family court mediator, engineer for a defense contractor, foster child advocate, etc.”
As a volunteer, Bussow was on his own for travel expenses.
“Fortunately hotel rates had dropped in the days preceding the inauguration and I was able to stay near a metro station,” he said. “DC Metro offered a discounted day pass which helped keep my expenses down. I was provided with meals while volunteering.”
The volunteers were provided training in Washington prior to the inauguration and online for those still in transit.
Bussow quoted from a letter from the inauguration committee: "'As a volunteer, you can expect hard work and long hours, but you can also expect to take home lasting memories of this historic event- ones that you can share with family, friends for generations to come.'”
“That is truly what I experienced," he said. "I left New Jersey at 2:00 am Thursday morning to arrive for my first assignment. I didn’t leave the celebration at the Lincoln Memorial until 8:00 pm. On Friday, I was on the DC metro at 4:00 am. I was at the parade viewing stand until 7:00 pm. We were provided with warming stations and meals.”
Out of about 60 volunteers assigned to the White House enclosure at Lafayette Square, Bussow was one of 8 chosen to share an assignment.
“We were stationed at the entrance to the media tower that was erected across from the Presidential Viewing Stand,” he said. “We arrived at 5:00 am and checked credentials for everyone entering the area. During the parade, I was stationed at the gate immediately next to the viewing stand. I had to pay attention to media and government officers moving through the gate but was able to watch the parade as well. The car President Trump was riding in stopped about twenty feet from where I was.”
Bussow confirmed that it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“I was thrilled to be a significant part of our country’s 58th Inauguration ceremonies. I was impressed with seeing the coordinated efforts of so many people and agencies to produce the celebration. I was overwhelmed with the hope expressed by people I met. I attended the 2017 Good Shepherd, Good Samaritan Prayer Breakfast held at the Capitol Hill Club on Thursday. The breakfast was chaired by Bishop Harry Jackson and featured speeches by the Honorable J.C. Watts, Jr. and others, honoring seven individuals for their service and leadership in faith based endeavors. I sat with Frank Collins Jr,, pastor of Breath of Life Christian Church, located on East Eight Mile Road, Eastpointe, Michigan. He expressed the recent success they have had in providing for their community, recently feeding over 1000 people at a holiday meal. Yet the need for funds is ceaseless. He was hopeful that jobs will return to the area.”
Bussow said that the underlying theme for the speeches he heard was one of hope and unity.
“I was very impressed with Star Parker, founder of the Center for Urban Renewal & Education in Washington DC,” he said. “She was one of the Good Shepherd, Good Samaritan Honorees. She spoke about anti-poverty initiatives and on market-based strategies to fight poverty. She also said that we all need to be vigilant in giving our best efforts to move ahead.”
When it was all over, Bussow reflected, “The diversity of people gathered in prayer at the Good Shepherd, Good Samaritan Breakfast and at the USA-Israeli Relationship prayer event at the Greater New Hope Baptist Church was amazing. On line to enter the prayer event, I spoke with a family that traveled from North Carolina with twenty members from their church, a minister from Hawaii and a husband and wife from western Michigan, as varied an assembly as I could imagine. All expressed hope for our country under President Trump’s administration. The prayer service featured former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, Congressman Trent Franks, Congressman Jody Hice and others.”
Bussow is back teaching science at Newton High School after his unique experience. He said that, because of it, he can now share incredible stories with his students.
“It was just amazing to be there,” he said.