Over Christmas break I spontaneously decided to book a trip to the east coast to visit some friends, including one I traveled to Italy with last summer. I took a red eye to Washington D.C. and landed at about 8:30 in the morning. After a long night of traveling, I was ready to tour the city! My friend, Taylor, picked me up from the airport and showed me all the tourist sites including the Lincoln Memorial and the White House. As a member of the Baldoni family, it was my honor to finally have a chance to meet Anna Mae Hayes, the first women general in the military. I called her up that morning and asked to meet since everyone else in my close family has had the chance to make it to D.C. to visit her. My relations to Anna Mae is through my grandfather, who worked under her while he was serving in the army. Anna Mae, who is currently 93 years old, agreed to have lunch with my friend Taylor and me the following day. We went to her condominium complex, which had a great view of the mall in Washington D.C (as you can see in the picture). Taylor ended up driving her car and took us to lunch at the officer’s club. We were lucky enough to have special parking because of Anna Mae’s rank. During lunch we learned all about her life, the different places she traveled in her 30 years in the military, the type of work she did, the Presidents she was able to build relationships with, etc. She has lived a very eventful life. She even gave us advice on our lives: work hard to get what you want! Anna Mae acted like she was 20 years younger than she was! Our conversation was great and I was so happy to finally have a chance to meet her. Although I was the last of the Baldoni’s to meet her, it was worth the wait and I hope I have the opportunity to see her again!
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