Wendell McNeal

Local businessman Wendell McNeal of Morgan County spent his Christmas vacation in Washington, D.C. in December. He was honored to be invited by the White House Visitors’ Office to serve as a greeter for two days at the “The People’s House.” 

He noted, “It was a pleasure working with the First Lady’s impressive and friendly staff.” On Christmas Eve, he and his wife Karen received a personal tour, which included viewing the stunning Christmas decorations throughout the historic building’s East Wing.

During their trip, the McNeals also visited the Vietnam Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. McNeal reflected that the cemetery tour brought “tears to his eyes” as he considered the thousands of soldiers buried there, having lost their lives in service to our country.

McNeal also had the chance to meet with his Congressman, Dr. Jody Hice, and have a meaningful conversation with Chaplain (Rear Admiral) Gregory Todd, the current Chaplain of the USMC. 

The opportunity to spend time at such iconic American sites at the end of a challenging year was an encouraging reminder to McNeal of America’s resilience and grit.