White House Military Social Aides
The White House Military Social Aides have played an important role in many different White House events and functions. They have assisted the President with diplomatic protocol at State events, at annual meetings with the leaders of Congress and the Federal Judiciary, and at other significant social events. Military Social Aides play the role of assistant hosts at the White House, ensuring that these events are conducted efficiently and with dignity, as behooves the President of the United States. These oral history videos from members of The Society of White House Military Aides detail the important work of this position in the Executive Mansion.
Ambassador Abelardo L. Valdez (Ret.)
Military Aide, 1965 - 1967; U.S. Chief of Protocol, 1979 - 1981
William Q. Sinnott and Kelley Brown
Sinnott, Military Aide, 1978 - 1981; Brown, Military Aide during Clinton & Bush Administrations
The White House 1600 Sessions: White House Military Social Aides
Military Social Aides perform a vital role for White House events, assisting the Social Secretary and representing the President and First Lady. White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin interviews former Social Secretary Ann Stock, as well as three former Military Social Aides about their experiences at the White House, including former Governor and Senator Charles “Chuck” Robb, founder of C-SPAN Brian Lamb, and Kenn Riordan, Jr., who leads The Society of White House Military Aides.