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boppies2 Elite user Arizona 422 Posts |
I will be performing a stage show for children at an USA Armed Forces Base. Obviously I will have to go through a security check before being allowed on the premises. Does anyone have experience with this? Any do's, don't's, suggestions???
I realize that nowdays security has increased and rightfully so. I want to be prepared. Max |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Max,
Depending on the base once you arrive at the gate you'll probably be directed to a Visitor Control center off to the side. Watch for the signs...there are always signs. The military buys them in bulk. Ask your sponsor to call ahead and okay your arrival. This will save you a lot of time. Have the sponsor's name and duty phone number handy just in case they forget or the guards lose the preapproval. Know which building you're going to, as well. Be sure to have your vehicle registration card, driver's license and insurance card available. Some bases also require a valid state vehicle inspection certificate depending on local laws. They'll issue you a limited access pass to the base that you place on your dashboard. Unless risk factors are high, you probably won't need to do any more than open your glove box and trunk for a cursory inspection...if that. Needless to say, leave your guns, knives, swords, fireworks, drugs and such at home. If you MUST use flashpots, flash paper or any other form of pyro, be sure to point this out to the guards (don't reach for it...let them do it). Oh...Point it out BEFORE The military dogs find it if they're being used. Once the guards see what it is and why you have it, you'll have no problem. Don't let the security throw you. Once you're on most bases, they aren't all that different from small communities where nearly everyone dresses alike, salute one another and are generally surrounded by guys with big guns and tall fences. Just think airport security managed with unusual efficiency and professionalism and you'll do fine. :) Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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rossmacrae Inner circle Arlington, Virginia 2475 Posts |
When you see military personnel, just be glad you don't have a job where if you decide one day to tell the boss to go to hell 'cause you quit, they can shoot you.
Other than that, it's not really a big deal - exactly as described above (I have to perform for kids living on post at Quantico & Ft Belvoir, & for organizational family summer picnics at Ft McNair in DC all the time). This is genuinely a time when "if you're not doing anything wrong you have nothing to worry about" - they mostly want to know that you're not a suicide bomber and that you have a reason to be there. I, too, find people with rifles a bit daunting - not that I have a problem with rifles (my kids and I go shooting often) but when I remember that THESE guys with rifles are wondering whether they might have to shoot ME... |
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p.b.jones Inner circle Milford Haven. Pembrokeshire wales U.K. 2642 Posts |
HI,
I perform close up for functions in the officers mess quire regullarly where I live , in the past RAF brawdy was US Air now it is British army, make sure you know your car reg well , they tend to use mirrors ext to check car for bombs ext. and ask if you packed your case (be sure you did) just like an airport customs .. no problem really at least here in UK Phillip |
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Steve V Inner circle Northern California 1878 Posts |
Those guys with rifles are wondering if any hot girls will be at the club later that night. There likely will be but not to worry, the ugly girls get all the action they want too.
Steve V |
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boppies2 Elite user Arizona 422 Posts |
Steve V,
The only girls I will have with me are small, furry with (not so) big ears. That's my luck. Max |
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boppies2 Elite user Arizona 422 Posts |
Thanks for the insight Skip - very helpful. I won't use any flash - why push it?
Max |
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Kent Wong Inner circle Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 2458 Posts |
Just remember. Security measures DO NOT include a body cavity search! No matter what they tell you, DON'T BEND OVER. Not that I would know anything about that!
Kent
"Believing is Seeing"
<BR>______________________ <BR> <BR>www.kentwongmagic.com |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Kent, I believe that was a Navy base you were on. The other branches don't usually include that process in their base entry procedures. (No pun intended)
Then again, if you have long hair and are silly enough to try and enter a Marine base... :) Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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Steve V Inner circle Northern California 1878 Posts |
Please ignore Skips statement about the Navy, not everyone gets in and he is bitter. Remember, he was in the service, the Navy is the military.
Steve V |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Well, shucks, Steve. Alright...I went a hair too far there. But, I figured that since I "served" as USAF liaison to the Master at Arms program in Piraeus, Greece when the carriers Forrestal and Kennedy BOTH decided to make port together I was entitled to rag on our soggy brothers. I'd rather spend a year in Baghdad than spend another week like THAT one in Piraeus! Man!! Nevertheless, I hereby apologize to any squid I may have intentionally offended.
I also readily admit what we already know; The Air Force isn't REALLY gung-ho-watch-'em-go military. The first time I went to an Army school and had to stay in an open bay dorm with no carpeting, No air conditioning, community latrines, no cable TV, no maid service and...dangit...they expected us to do actual PT before class every dang morning ... why, I was ready to go AWOL! Go Air Force! Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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The Great Smartini Inner circle 2280 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-07-19 12:42, Skip Way wrote: Those "long hair(s) are nothing but trouble! Don't people remember what happened in the 60s when there was a bunch of them running around?! |
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Steve V Inner circle Northern California 1878 Posts |
Oh I could tell you stories.....
Steve V <--was on first ship to have female sailors on board, and lemme tell you, some were reallllly on board. |
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Autumn Morning Star Grammar Hostess Today, I corrected grammar in 1378 Posts |
Well, gentlemen, the original question was answered very well by Skip and several others. Good Job!
I work with the military a great deal. Boppies2, please have your sponsor's name and number in hand. A letter from your sponsor stating what you are doing, with the date is also helpful. The security will have to call your sponsor anyway to sign you in. Get there at least thirty minutes before you normally would. In other words, if you need an hour to set up, arrive an hour and a half early. The gate can be very slow at times. Traffic can stack up and you just have to wait. Bases occasionally have lock-downs. I ran into one of these. No one goes in or out for any reason until the security breach is solved. I doubt you will have this issue. No matter what branch of the service or gender, the military women and men do a tough, thankless job for a few pieces of ribbon or a chunk of metal. Give their kids a good show. Many of their mamas and daddys never make it home.
Wonder is very necessary in life. When we're little kids, we're filled with wonder for the world - it's fascinating and miraculous. A lot of people lose that. They become cynical and jaded, especially in modern day society. Magic renews that wonder.
Doug Henning |
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boppies2 Elite user Arizona 422 Posts |
Thanks Autumn Morningstar.
I did exactly what you suggested (before I read your comments). Common sense prevails. The kids appeared to be hungry for entertainment - lots of audience participation-music-laughter-and of course the bunny and dove stole the show. But it was the interaction with the children after the show that I found so very rewarding. It is the least I can do in return for what their Mamas and Daddys are doing for us. Max |
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Autumn Morning Star Grammar Hostess Today, I corrected grammar in 1378 Posts |
Boppies2 (Max), you are the greatest! And now there will be a great reference point for Café members to find when they do a "search" regarding military shows.
Aren't the kids just super? I do a number of American military bases here in Europe. The kids say some things that are so tough it just breaks my heart. I hear a common theme: They are scared and miss their parent. They have seen friends whose parents did not come home. Some kids even have both mama and daddy in the military. When they both deploy (minimum of 1 year or more away) at the same time they are often taken care of by relatives. Remember how it feels to be a kid and wait for birthdays and Christmas? Imagine how long it feels to wait for your folks to come home. Max, you gave these kids a magical memory: A place where they can go when the going gets rough. Whether you know it or not, you became a hero on that stage. Good job!
Wonder is very necessary in life. When we're little kids, we're filled with wonder for the world - it's fascinating and miraculous. A lot of people lose that. They become cynical and jaded, especially in modern day society. Magic renews that wonder.
Doug Henning |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Max, next time may I suggest that you consider video taping and digitize the event then offer to send the video to moms & dads serving overseas. Include a "Hi Dad" segment from each family at the end of the show and video. It costs you little more than some time and you'll make a huge splash on the base.
Going back a few years, I would video tape any birthday party for a child who had a parent serving overseas. I'd then deliver the video tape wrapped and ready to send to the family as a gift. The absent parents had the chance to enjoy the party and share the day. As one of those parents, I can't tell you how special these items were. These days it is even easier and less costly to accomplish. Think about it. Well done! Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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Autumn Morning Star Grammar Hostess Today, I corrected grammar in 1378 Posts |
What a great idea, Skip Way! Brilliant!
The only tidbit I can add is: When you send a tape make sure your name and number are on the video (both the case and on a video "header") for reference and you will find some really loyal clientele in the military community. With the right promotional letter from your military clientele you could go a bit farther. Maybe even "Stars and Stripes" or the AFN (Armed Forces Network) might pick up a story about what you do. Yes, the military has its own network!
Wonder is very necessary in life. When we're little kids, we're filled with wonder for the world - it's fascinating and miraculous. A lot of people lose that. They become cynical and jaded, especially in modern day society. Magic renews that wonder.
Doug Henning |
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boppies2 Elite user Arizona 422 Posts |
What started as a special show for Armed Forces kids, turned out to be a monumental event with a generous helping of brilliant ideas.
Thanx again Morning Star and Skip. Max |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
The beautiful thing about the military community...and Autumn Morning Star (What an absolutely beautiful name!) can attest to this...is that it is tight and close. The families' lives often revolve around the base. The mothers and fathers volunteer in every aspect of life. Family is everything and very important...to the military leaders as well as the members. Once you've proven yourself to be a caring and supportive part of this community you will never lack for support or referrals. You'll actually become a vital part of the community and it will be a link you'll cherish for the rest of your life.
Skip
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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