“The Pope and I”

Since the current Pope just passed, I thought I’d drop my John Paul II story.

The day I met John Paul II;

I get my chops busted for saying I met the Pope…
OK, so I didn’t shake his hand and say “How the hell are ya your Pontiff?”

We arrived a little late that day to the Pentagon. The CINC and I made the 40 mile commute up I95 everyday. It could take an hour, or three…
I missed roll call so I didn’t hear who the big wig was that was arriving. All I knew is I had to rush down to the 4th corridor entrance, ‘The Heliport’ for an ‘Arrival’.

When anyone semi-important arrives at the Pentagon, they get a reception. From only an undersecretary to a full blown Honor Guard with band.
Usually we did the receptions at the ‘River Entrance’. That side of the building had a nice grass lawn area, was across from LBJ Grove park, and a marina. So I was curious as to why, if this was someone important why were they coming in The Heliport entrance?

During these ceremonies I was prominent, I was in my 20s and impressive. I always stood to the front left of the honor guard. Then when entering the building, I stood with my back to the right side of the entrance as the person walked in.
It was my job to impress upon them that they were entering ‘The Pentagon’.

There wasn’t a ceremony, curious, Heliport entrance, how important could this guy be?

There were two sets of doors at the entrances, on each side of a spacious vestibule. I took up a position to the right (my left) of the open double doors.
I was partially blocking the first two or so feet of that side of the entrance.

The outside doors boomed open as a car pulled up.
The Heliport entrance (prior to 9/11) had an asphalt road parallel to the building from South Parking, almost to the doors. So if a car pulled up, there would only be 2-3 feet to the building.
There was a gaggle of people milling around the entrance. Then I saw my Capt. Opening the car door..
Whoa… I’ve never seen him at one of these things!!!

More confusion, the SecDef was also there…
What the hell did I miss?!?!

Then they began entering the building. My Captain came in and stood to the right, inside the door way (from my position).
The SecDef walked in and to his right there was a short man in all white. Immediately next to him was a man dressed in red Cardinal’s robes.
As they got closer, I realized it was the Pope, John Paul II.
Holy crap!
Excuse the expression..

As they neared the entrance where I was, it was obvious that they weren’t going to fit through the door three across (SecDef, Pope, and Cardinal).
Especially with my big ass blocking the door.
I guess the Cardinal may have been an important man. He was probably used to getting his way with a look.
He gave me the look so I would move…
Nope, the SecDef didn’t ask, ain’t going to happen.
They stopped for a second, the Pope looked at me and smiled.
I just nodded back, and they continued on.
The Cardinal was pissed!!!