Several former USSS agents, Navy Seabees, and others shared their stories, providing the most accurate and thorough history of the Secret Service at the Ranch to date. Like a puzzle, each story added a new piece of history that was previously missing. Through these accounts, interviewees also identified artifacts and produced photographs and documentation. Young America’s Foundation also located and acquired items for the Command Post to bring these stories to life. Unlike the other buildings on the Ranch property, the Command Post was empty when the Foundation acquired Rancho del Cielo in 1998. It was in desperate need of artifacts to help share this important history. Thankfully, several USSS agents stepped forward and donated original items they used when serving the President at the Ranch. USSS Agent Barbara Riggs, one of the designated riders that rode horseback with the President, donated her leather shoulder gun holster, belt holster, and a microphone and earphone device used for direct communication with the Command Post. USSS Agent and Ranch Range Master Frank Pericola gifted his jacket worn while on duty at the Ranch. John Barletta, President Reagan’s longest serving Secret Service agent, assisted with this project from beginning to end, providing contact information for key USSS agents and arranging meetings with several of these agents. He spent time with the Foundation team making certain that no details were overlooked. Mr. Barletta also donated a USSS riding saddle, his riding clothes, and several office items including his rolodex, framed certificates, and photographs. He also produced the only known photograph of President Reagan in the Command Post. Several other agencies stepped forward to assist with the Command Post interpretation. Local law enforcement replicated all the original firearms for the gun room, including a long barrel
and short barrel Remington 870 shotgun, the UZI submachine gun, and the Smith & Wesson .357 revolver. Navy Seabees built an exact replica of the gun cabinet used to store the firearms. The local Santa Barbara Amateur Radio Club also worked with USSS agents to identify and acquire replicas of the Command Post radio and video equipment—including a donation of highly sophisticated radio equipment—from Motorola Corporation. Young America’s Foundation’s team located and acquired the original Humvee used by the Secret Service at the Ranch. The vehicle has been restored to its original 1980s model condition. Prior to the restoration of the Command Post, Reagan Ranch visitors would only make a brief visit to the then-empty Command Post. Today, the building is an important part of Ranch tours for students, supporters, and special guests. Several rooms are completely outfitted with artifacts. One special room even includes an exhibit where guests can listen to USSS agents share their stories of their time protecting the Commander-in-Chief. This important Reagan Ranch restoration project was made possible through the generosity and selflessness of many who wanted to help preserve Ronald Reagan’s lasting accomplishments and character for future generations. As John Barletta notes, “What brought them together is Ronald Reagan… He was our best protectee in the Secret Service.” Young America’s Foundation is especially grateful to Mary Dell Pritzlaff for her vision and generous sponsorship of this important project. Today and for years to come, young people and all Reagan Ranch visitors will know the vital role of the Secret Service at the Ranch and have a better understanding of the man these brave men and women so loyally served.
Special Agent John Barletta’s desk in the Command Post is outfitted with many original items—graciously donated by Barletta—including his gloves, rolodex, and hat.
(From left) Retired Secret Service Agent John Barletta, Congressman Sean Duffy, Mary Dell Pritzlaff, Governor Scott Walker, Tonette Walker, Rachel Campos-Duffy, and John Pritzlaff gather near the plaque recognizing Ms. Pritzlaff’s sponsorship of the Command Post Acre at Rancho del Cielo.
Young America’s Foundation | Libertas | Summer 2012
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