WKU MASTER Plan

Derek being Derek.
The still unfinished Education building is supposed to be done by the start of classes.
The PFT!
Stephanie!
Brandon!
hundreds of towels
Each Freshman student gets their own towel
Red Towels as far as the Eye can see

Summer in Summary... The Gnome is Home... (For now)

Here I am back in good old Union, KY tucked back in the woods watching the chickens terrorize the yard. Being home is full of mixed emotions; I loved working in our nation's capitol, making a difference in these historic, challenging, and difficult times. In Senator McConnell's office I worked in his press office where I helped write Congressional Records, file press releases, and compose the daily press clips. In Senator McConnell's office I worked with a great duo in the press office and other very talented young people "across the hall." The interns I worked with in the Senator's office are also of a magnificent quality and I expect great achievements from each of them.

After six weeks I made my way over to the House of Representatives where I had the privileged of working for Congressman Brett Guthrie. In Congressman Guthrie's office I helped answer constituents correspondence and questions. I also helped get the mail folded, stuffed, and sent everyday. Along with the variety of meaningful tasks that I carried out, I got to participate in a tele-town hall where the congressman spoke to some 3,000 constituents on the phone at one time. In Congressman Guthrie's office I worked with a great team including the Congressman. During my tenure with Guthrie it was always fun and exciting working with Nan Natcher.

When everyone asks which one I enjoyed more, I can honestly say neither because they were such different experinces it would be like comparing apples and oranges. However when asked what was my favorite experience up there, I can say that being in the Rotunda for the Ronald Reagan Statue unveiling was the most memorable event. Next in line would be seeing the fireworks on the National Mall on July 4th.

With this post I would like to say that the Gnome is not going away, rather changing his direction and goals. You will see more of him.

In the coming future I will be attending a few GOP meetings around and then I will be reporting in to Peace Ford Tower (PFT) at WKU for RA fall training.

Tomb of the UnGnome Soldier, and July 4th in DC

Saturday morning we started off with a visit to the White House (casa de Obama) then headed to Arlington National Cemetery for a very moving experience. We watched the Changing of the guards at the tomb of the unknown soldiers and we went into Robert E. Lee's house. We also went to Kennedy's grave site with the eternal flame. Afterward we took a short nap before meeting some friends from WKU on the National Mall for the 4th of July Fireworks! This was really cool and I am sure that I took way to many pictures, but hey... who's counting.

Arlington National Cemetery


Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the changing of the guard ceremony

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the changing of the guard ceremony

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

View from Robert E. Lee's front porch

View from the Lee Front Porch

The Robert E. Lee House and Robert Kennedy's Grave

Casa de Obama

The White House

Arlington National Cemetery


Fireworks on the Mall
Fireworks on the mall

Gnome misses Skyline and Goldstar...

Today here are some photos from Senator McConnell at a Press Conference in the Capitol. After work I went to a WKU DC alumni event with a few people from the city. I never realized there were so many toppers on the hill. Tonight's Gnome is brought to you by Bens Chili Bowl off of U street in DC. Ben's chili is a cultural hub for DC, many famous politicians, actors, civil rights leaders and musicians have come from all over the world to visit the resturant. The place has been there since the late 1800's and is still there. The walls are donned with pictures with patrons from Obama to Jesse Jackson to Hillary to Bono. In memory of Michael Jackson, tonight they played non stop MJ songs. I did something different with the Gnome, I played with photoshop, I don't think I like it but it is kind of artsy... kinda.


Ben's Chili Bowl

Mitch McConnell during a Senate GOP Press Conference

Senate GOP Leadership during a Press Conference

Newly appointed Senate Republican Policy Vice Chairwomen Lisa Murkowski

Senator John Thune (Potential 2012 Candidate) replaces Sen. Ensign as the Chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee

Mitch McConnell standing strong at a press conference

FOX News on WKU's Campus!!!

Tonight I got word through both Student Government Association and Housing and Residents Life that there will be Fox News on campus starting with the Fall Semester. I just wanted to thank Everyone in WKU SGA, WKU College Republicans, and WKU HRL for all of there help in making this possible. Thanks again.

Shane

Noem Heads to DC!

Looks like I am off on another worlwind, once again to Washington DC. I will be boarding a plane at 4:30 Monday afternoon for Ronald Reagan International Airport. I will be serving as an intern in Senator Mitch McConnell's Press Office for 6 weeks, then I will be serving as an intern in Congressman Brett Guthrie's Office. I am very excited for this opportunity, but I will miss my beautiful girlfriend Nicole, my family, WKU, and the Bluegrass state. I will return on August 1st to prepare for the fall semester move in at PFT. I will be posting while on my many adventures in the Capital. Hope you will join me!

SN