As an usher for the Philadelphia Eagles, I have my fair share of stories that i can tell based on some of my experiences. I have seen it and heard it all. Hell, I have even tasted it all with the amount of food, beer and other wonderful concession food I have had thrown on me.
Every time I get a chance to see a Philadelphia Eagle up close, my heart starts to pound. Just the thought of being so close to the players reminds me how much of a dream come true it is to work for the Eagles.
However, none of the stories I tell can match up with 65-year-old Pacer usher Jim Saddler. Whats so special about him? Has he shaken hands with Paul George or Larry Bird? Has he shared a drink with Frank Vogel? No. Saddler was once a flight attendant on Air Force One. Yes, that Air Force One.
Saddler used to have to answer to three of the most powerful people on the planet. Those three men were the Presidents of the United States. Saddler used to cater to the every need of Ronald Reagan, George H. Bush, and Bill Clinton. If you ever wonder if Saddler gets star-struck during Pacer games, I think the answer is quite clear. Most of Saddlers work was done when the Presidents were off the plane.
Interestingly enough, on numerous occasions, Saddler would actually sneak lobster, steak and chicken cordon bleu, to Ronald Reagan. Reagan's wife insisted that Reagan eat healthier which he did, when his wife was present. But when Reagan was flying solo, he would have Saddler to rely on to bring him his most beloved dishes.
Saddler recalls the time as unbelievably nerve-wrecking but also calls it "such an amazing time." The pressures of being an usher at a professional sports arena or stadium can be overwhelming at times. I believe Saddler has a fine time dealing with miserable or rude fans. After all, he had to deal with three of the most stressed men in America.
However, Saddler would go on to reveal that all Presidents were extremely kind to him. When asked if he knew any secrets and could share them, he wisely answered, " I'd have to kill you if I told you everything." Saddler also referees high school basketball, volleyball and softball. Its safe to say, any heckling, rude, vial thing you have to say to Saddler will not get under his skin.
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