Clint Hill Funeral Service To Be Live-Streamed

 

The funeral service for Clint Hill on April 8th, 2025, is by invitation only but will be live-streamed. Please join us online using this link.

https://www.youtube.com/live/Paik0xXHyLg

Clint Hill, R.I.P.

Above, Clint Hill at Book Passage in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Clint Hill, the sole Secret Service Agent who acted during the assassination of President Kennedy, passed away at home on February 21. He was 93.

His wife, Lisa McCubbin, made the announcement this morning: 

In June 2016, I attended a book signing and discussion by Mr. Hill at Book Passage in Corte Madera, California. It was a well attended event and I was able to get some autographed books from Mr. Hill and Miss McCubbin. 

Above, Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin at Book Passage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here is a video I recorded of Mr. Hill's talk: 

I have sent Lisa McCubbin my condolences. 

Sixty Years Ago

Above, a view of Elm Street in Dealey Plaza two windows away
 from Oswald's sniper's window. Photo by Armand Vaquer

Sixty years is a long time. I can still remember that day almost as if it were yesterday. 

Today marks the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas. I was in fourth grade at the time at Woodcrest Elementary School in Los Angeles. 

Above, a view of Elm Street and the former Texas School Book Depository Building. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I had just finished lunch in the school cafeteria and got up to bring my tray and dishes to the busboy window. It was there at the window I was told that Kennedy was assassinated, and the school’s flag had been lowered to half-staff. I left the cafeteria and went outside and saw that the flag was indeed at half-staff. 

I then went to the playground for the remainder of the lunch hour.

Minutes later, the bell rang for everyone to return to class.

Above, a view of Elm Street from Main Street in 1984. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There, in class, our teacher tearfully confirmed what had happened. Everyone was in stunned silence. Then, a fire drill bell started ringing and we all headed out to the playground. There, outside of the auditorium at the top of a stairway, the school principal, over a public address system, also told everyone the news and had everyone sing patriotic songs. 

He also announced that school would be dismissed for the day following the program. 

Above, Oswald's sniper's nest recreated in the
 Sixth Floor Museum. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I then headed home (I only lived across the street from the school) with a friend from the Cub Scouts. His mother wasn’t at home so he came home with me. After getting home, we watched the television coverage with my mom. All programming on all television stations were preempted by the assassination coverage. This would ultimately be the case throughout the weekend until after Kennedy’s funeral on Monday, November 25.

Much of what was repeatedly shown was the Kennedys at the breakfast in Fort Worth, their arrival at Love Field and some footage of the motorcade. Later, a live feed from Andrews Air Force Base showing the arrival of Air Force One was shown and Lee Harvey Oswald under arrest.

Above, a view of Elm Street from the grassy knoll area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As this was a Friday, my family usually went out for dinner. But, for the life of me, I cannot remember if we did or ate at home. 

Nobody who was alive at the time would ever forget, just like other generations who remember what they were doing and how they learned about Pearl Harbor and September 11.

Above, the Kennedy limousine after it passed under the
triple underpass from a display in the Sixth Floor Museum.

Since then, I have visited Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas twice, being a history buff. The first was during the 1984 Republican National Convention and the second was in January 2021. A visit to the Sixth Floor Museum in the former Texas School Book Depository Building is well worth a visit.

For those who wish to delve further into the Kennedy assassination, these DVDs are recommended:

Above, this DVD by the History Channel is the best one. It covers the
assassination and what transpired since, including conspiracy theories.

Above, this National Geographic DVD covers
much of the same as the History Channel DVD. 

Above, this DVD shows the Zapruder film from sharp
photographic copies made from the original camera film.

Below is a video I took of former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill, now 91, giving a talk on the assassination at Book Passage in Corte Madera, California on June 11, 2016.

JFK Assassination Articles

Above, yours truly in Dealey Plaza early last year. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

Articles about the 59th anniversary tomorrow of the assassination of President Kennedy are appearing on the Internet.

They range from eyewitness accounts to a proposal to upgrade Dealey Plaza (not too much could be actually be done there as it is now a National Historic Site). 

Six years ago, I headed up to Corte Madera, California to Book Passage to hear former Secret Service agent Clint Hill give a talk on the assassination and his work with different presidents. I blogged about the visit back then, which also includes a video of his talk that I shot. To access it, go here.

Above, ex-Secret Service agent Clint Hill at Book Passage in Corte Madera in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram has posted a collection of photographs from their staff photographers taken during JFK's visit to Dallas. To see them, go here.

Snopes even got into the act with an article on JFK's foreboding feeling about assassination. To access the article, go here.

The Dallas Morning News has an article posted today on how to observe the 59th anniversary. To read it, go here.

I have no doubt that there will be more tomorrow.

JFK Assassination Files To Be Released

Above, the open window marks the sniper's perch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

By Thursday, the last remaining classified documents and files on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy will be released.

CBS News reported:

President Trump announced on Twitter that he will allow the release of thousands of classified documents about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy after years of delays. 

The unexpected move means the trove of never-before-seen documents are set to be released by the National Archives by Oct. 26.

Below, a video of former Sercret Service Agent Clint Hill I took last year in Corte Madera, California:




It will be interesting to see if there's anything new on the assassination will be revealed. It will also be interesting if the released documents will spark new conspiracy theories.

Above, Clint Hill gives a talk on the JFK assassination at Book Passage in Corte Madera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

One Year Ago...

Above, The Beast at the Los Banos/I-5 KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One year ago today, I departed from the Los Banos/I-5 KOA that is located in Santa Nella, California after spending the night following the talks and book signing by former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin at Book Passage in Corte Madera on their book, Five Presidents. I stayed nearby at the Marin RV Park. I was on my return trip home.

Above, Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin at Book Passage the day before. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I arose early, as I recall, due to high winds that were buffeting the sides of The Beast. It was amusing that I was assigned the same campsite that I stayed at two nights prior, during the trip to the book signing. The KOA was a good midway stop between the Bay Area and Los Angeles.

Above, the front of the Los Banos/I-5 KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A few hours later, while stopped for breakfast at a Denny's Restaurant in Coalinga, the television monitor in the dining room had a news report on the mass shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida. It was reported that Omar Mateen, a 29-year-old security guard, killed 49 people and wounded 58 others in a terrorist attack/hate crime inside Pulse, a gay nightclub. He was shot and killed by the Orlando Police.

It was a good trip and it was a good trial run for the Owens Valley trip the following month.

How much do you know about the JFK assassination?

Above, yours truly in Dealey Plaza in 1984.

How much do you know about the JFK assassination?

Standard News.com has a quiz on the assassination. For the fun of it, I took the quiz and got 98%. The one question that I "missed" was one where all answers were correct, but they wanted one answer in particular.

It helped that I saved the newspapers from November 1963, have several books, attended a talk by Secret Service Agent Clint Hill and have visited Dealey Plaza in Dallas.

To take the quiz, go here. Good luck!

Finished "Five Presidents"

Finally, after nine months after getting it, I've finished reading former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill's book, Five Presidents.

I had pre-ordered a personalized autographed book before heading up to Corte Madera in Marin County in early June to attend a talk and book signing at Book Passage by Clint Hill and co-author Lisa McCubbin.

Not that it was a thick or difficult book to read, it seemed that each time I was going to sit and read it, something else would come up or I was just too tired to read. Usually, I can finish a book of this type (non-fiction) in a couple of sittings.

Above, Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin at Book Passage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was an interesting look at Hill's career as a secret service agent from the Eisenhower years to the early months of Gerald Ford's presidency.

Pretty much everything that occurred during those years are covered in the book including the Kennedy assassination, LBJ's Viet Nam troubles, Elvis Presley's visit with Nixon and Watergate.

For those who are interested in historical events from people who were there and able to give first-hand accounts, Five Presidents is a very satisfying read.

High Winds and RVs

Above, The Beast at Los Banos KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last June, I took a little trip to Marin County to attend a book signing and talk by former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill.

On the way up and on the way back, I stayed midway at the Los Banos KOA for an overnight rest stop. Both nights, high winds buffeted The Beast. Although the winds were nowhere any intensity that would or could overturn the RV, the thought did briefly occur to me. The winds made a lot of noise, making it hard to sleep.

This is more of a concern while driving in an area with strong crosswinds (the Mojave Desert is a prime example).

RV Life has an article on just this question: "Can High Winds Flip RVs? (Sometimes)"

This is more of a concern while driving in an area with strong cross-winds (the Mojave Desert is a prime example).

The article begins with:

Each time you drive down the highway your RV is battered by high winds. As that moving air meets the front of your RV, it creates a high pressure that’s turns it into a force. The intensity of that force is known as “wind load” and all RVs can withstand a certain amount of it. 

You need to do the math to calculate wind load on RVs, but you can drive in a straight line knowing that RV bodies can withstand head winds at highway speeds. Wind is more of a problem when it blows sideways against a vehicle in motion, which causes trailer sway. 

When RVs are stationary, cross-winds also wreak havoc but for a different reason. Sideways winds can destroy awnings, ruin slide-out toppers and toss patio furniture. 

To read more, go here.

Clint Hill Strikes At Hollywood Inaccuracy

Above, Clint Hill speaking at Book Passage last June. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Former secret service agent Clint Hill gives an exclusive interview with i News (United Kingdom). He discusses his experience in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963 and hits at Hollywood inaccuracies.

They begin with:

It’s surely the most famous few seconds of amateur video footage ever filmed.  

A moment after seeing her husband’s head blown apart by a rifle shot, a distraught Jacqueline Kennedy climbs out of the presidential limousine’s back seat and onto the boot. The film is too grainy to show the blood stains now spattered over her pink suit, as she reaches for something with a white-gloved hand.  

But as the car begins to speed away to Parkland hospital, a dark-suited figure appears on the rear of the vehicle with the First Lady and pushes her back into the car, next to the body of the stricken president – knowing they could both be the next targets in the crosshairs.  

That man, seen in the final reels of the Zapruder film which captured John F Kennedy’s assassination, was Clint Hill. Every day for the past 53 years, the former Secret Service agent has regretted he could not reach the limo in time to jump in front of that shot: the third round fired by Lee Harvey Oswald on 22 November 1963.

The article also includes a video of a 1975 interview of Hill by Mike Wallace of CBS News and a trailer for, Jackie, a movie that Hill says is filled with inaccuracies.

Below, is a video of Clint Hill's talk at a June 2016 book signing event that I shot at Book Passage:




To read the i News interview article, go here.

2016 Year In Review

Above, at the unveiling party in October with Asya and Dawn.

While 2015 was a good year for me, 2016 (with some exceptions) was the exact opposite.

I have blogged about the turmoil that began in the spring at great length and I don't wish to recount it all again. Let's just say that the person to whom I was engaged to was not the person she presented herself to be and I found it necessary to end everything. 'nuff said!

The year began on a sad note as my Aunt Rose passed away on January 5 after a long illness. The only comfort in that is she is no longer suffering.

Above, a cloud-shrouded Yosemite Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

In February, a weekend trip down to San Diego was made to take care of a product recall on different models of Winnebago RVs. While there, we stayed at Campland On The Bay. I have heard about the Mission Bay campground since the early 1990s, but this was the first time staying there. It was a disappointment. It was overpriced (over $100/night) for what was essentially a parking lot with hook-ups and a table. After The Beast was taken care of, an enjoyable day was had at Sea World.

Above, enjoying cigars at Tehachapi Loop. 

In April, Sierra and I went to Yosemite National Park and camped in Yosemite Valley at the North Pines Campground. It was enjoyable, even though it was rainy at times.

Also in April, I attended my first clamp-out with Platrix No. 2, E Clampus Vitus at the Tehachapi Loop since 2007. It was great to be active in ECV again. I also attended the Platrix fall clamp-out at Lake Cachuma in October. I had a great time at both.

More camping was done in May and June as I discovered a nice campground/RV resort in Ventura at the Ventura Beach RV Resort. I camped there three times, one of which was with my former roomie Jessica in July.

Above, the coastline of the Big Island of Hawaii during our helicopter tour. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Also in May, I went to Hawaii for the first time. The highlights for me were the tour of Pearl Harbor and a helicopter tour of Kilauea Volcano. The trip turned out to be more trouble than it was worth as it was the "last hurrah" of my relationship with Denise Santos and it also led to a Small Claims lawsuit (that I won) against Jacquese Scott, who tried to stiff me for over $800 that she owed for her portion of the trip. I wouldn't mind going there again, but with better company.

Above, celebrating a Small Claims Court victory at the Odyssey Restaurant in August.

In June, I met Asya, an artist from St. Petersburg, Russia at an art store in Sherman Oaks that sells cartoon cels. I commissioned her to paint a portrait of me. It was something I always wanted to do, to see how an artist would interpret me in oils. I liked the result and we held an unveiling party at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills in October.

Above, Clint Hill discusses the JFK assassination at Book Passage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Also in June, I went solo to Marin County in the the San Francisco Bay Area for a talk and book signing by former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill. I luckily found a RV park within walking distance to Book Passage, where the event was being held. I also stayed about half-way in both directions at the Los Banos KOA.

Above, at Devil's Postpile National Monument during the Owens Valley trip.

In July, Sierra and I headed up the Owens Valley and visited the Manzanar Relocation Camp, Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite National Park's Tioga Pass. That was an enjoyable trip.

August was relatively quiet, except for a legal hassle in Chatsworth Superior Court that was totally unnecessary and was dismissed. But the month was salvaged as Dawn Brown and I began going out on Sunday nights (due to her work schedule), which continues to this day.

Above, on Hot Bench in September.

Speaking of legal stuff. In August, I filed another Small Claims lawsuit (apparently, evil comes in pairs) and served it on Denise Santos while attending to the Chatsworth Court matter. The producers of the court-tv show, Hot Bench wanted it, so we went on in early September. I won some, and lost some on the show, but it ended up pretty much a "wash" as I also received an appearance fee. I may have fared better in regular Small Claims Court, but it would probably have taken years to collect. By going on Hot Bench, I received my case award almost right away and it is over and done with, so I don't have to deal with Denise anymore.

As I mentioned previously, the portrait painting unveiling party was held in October at the Odyssey Restaurant. I invited family and friends and Asya invited people in the art world she knows (for some networking). We had a good time. It was relaxed with plenty of food and drink. I met Mitch Geriminsky's new wife, Marla for the first time at the party. Everyone who attended had a good time.

Above, with The Mittens in the background in Monument Valley.

At the end of October, I took the longest road trip of my life (three weeks). I was planning to go to Memphis, Tennessee next year, but the celebration of life service for actress Noel Neill (who died in July) was going to be held in Metropolis, Illinois ("The Home of Superman"). Since Memphis is about three hours away from Metropolis, I decided to go and make it a vacation trip.

During the three-week trip, I visited Meteor Crater in Arizona; the Noel Neill "Lois Lane" statue and Super Museum in Metropolis: Graceland and Sun Studio in Memphis; the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Lincoln Home and Lincoln tomb in Springfield, Illinois; I met with Kansas State Senator Greg Smith at the Kansas State Capitol Building in Topeka, Kansas; the Eisenhower Center in Abilene, Kansas; Durango, Colorado (the trains weren't running at the time); Monument Valley in Arizona and Utah; and Grand Canyon National Park. With the exception of a mishap that made me buy two tires in St. Louis, Missouri, it was a good trip. I watched the election returns while in the Springfield, Illinois area. What better way to see a big election win for the GOP than being in the "Land of Lincoln"?

Above, Thanksgiving with my Aunt Gloria and cousin Maria.

Thanksgiving was spent a few days after I returned home from the trip at my cousin's in Wildomar, California and will be there for Christmas Eve.

Hopefully, next year will be a better one. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

32 Years Ago: A Visit To Dealey Plaza

Above, yours truly standing at Elm Street in Dealey Plaza.

Thanks to a reminder from Facebook (and getting the date right from my photo album), I visited Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas 32 years ago today.

I was in Dallas for the 1984 Republican National Convention as a member of the California Reagan Delegation.

Above, the open window marks where Oswald fired the shots. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While in Dallas, I took a cab from my hotel to Dealey Plaza to see for myself the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

During my visit, I took photographs from many angles of the site with my Olympus OM-1 35mm camera.

Above, this photo was taken while atop the pedestal where Abraham
 Zapruder filmed the assassination. In the background, the former Texas
 School Book Depository and Dal-Tex Buildings. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The site looked pretty much the same in 1984 as it did during the assassination 21 years earlier. The most noticeable difference was that the street lamps were moved from the sidewalks and re-positioned in grassy areas. Also, newer, modern skyscrapers surrounded (from a distance) the area.

Two months ago, I attended a presentation by former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill on the Kennedy assassination. I shot this video during his presentation:



Still, it was an eerie place to visit.

A Nice Thank-You Note

As a thank-you for being my "Jiminy Cricket" during times of turmoil and whom I've dubbed my "honorary sister", I sent Diane an autographed copy of Clint Hill's and Lisa McCubbin's Five Presidents. 

Along with that, I also sent her a copy of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan.

Although she was pleased with the Five Presidents book, she seems more impressed with the travel guide. As she emailed me this last night:

And so hath mine!  Thank you SO much!!!!  And I really appreciate the copy of your book too :-)))))  I just had a chance to glance through it and was fascinated by some of the detail that you thought to add in.  Typhoon season, the maps and the currency are fabulous ideas!  But I just saw the last page and love the Clamper thinking of letting people know there are intentional mistakes in there - too cool :-))))))

It's kind of exciting to see pictures of the places you've sent before and the explanations of what they are about.  I almost feel like, "Oh!  I know that place!"    I'd be terrified going over that Saikai Bridge though.  Whoops, flipped to Shima Pearl - that's worse.

Very, very cool though!  I had no idea of what you could possibly put into a book on monsters, especially G, that would interest so many people, but frankly, even as a monster-ignoramus, I find the information very interesting.  Egads.  Just flipped to Yokahama Bay Bridge.  I'd have a nervous breakdown there!  Well, I always knew you had talent, so not surprising :-))))

Thank you so much again!  A little thank you will be heading your way.  Expect something by way of slight thank you coming for Miss Sierra Vaquer.  Of course, you are free to open it too - after all, we are human can openers for them ;-)

My Book Arrived

My personalized autographed book, Five Presidents by former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin arrived in today's mail.

I had pre-ordered it, not knowing if I would be able to attend their appearance at Book Passage in Corte Madera or if the line would be too long for me to wait. It turned out the latter was true.

Above, Sierra had to take a closer look. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As you can see from the second photo, my cat Sierra is interested in the book and had to take an up-close look for herself.

Above, Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin at Book Passage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My Book Buys At Book Passage

Above, two books I bought for myself. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While at Book Passage in Corte Madera in Marin County over the weekend to attend the talk by former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill and journalist Lisa McCubbin, I made a few purchases of books.

I picked up three autographed copies of Hill's and McCubbin's Five Presidents. One for daughter Amber, one for "honorary sister" Diane and one for myself. I pre-ordered a personalized/autographed copy of the book, figuring that I may not have been able to attend or if I did attend, the crowd would be too large to get a signature. It turned out I was right. There was a very long line and I had to make my way back to the Los Banos KOA Kampground, 125 miles away. I bought myself an extra copy.

Above, the autographs by Hill and McCubbin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For Amber, I also got her a copy of Wild by Cheryl Strayed (about her experience in hiking the Pacific Crest Trail).

For myself, I also bought a copy of Five Days In November by Hill and McCubbin. I began reading it two nights ago and now almost finished.

I'll be heading to the Tarzana Post Office to mail Diane her copy of Five Presidents.

Former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill At Book Passage

Above, former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill today at Book Passage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has been an interesting day.

I am now back at the Los Banos KOA after having left the Bay Area immediately following the presentations by former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill and his co-author, Lisa McCubbin on their new book, Five Presidents.

I managed to get a reserved seat in the front row in the event room of Book Passage in Corte Madera. I picked up autographed copies of their book for my daughter Amber and for my "honorary sister" Diane.

It was a good thing I pre-ordered my personalized autographed copy as the line for their signatures was a long one. Hill drew a large crowd. I had to leave as I was expecting a three and a half hour drive back to Los Banos. Strangely, I am in the same campsite I was in two nights ago.

Hill and McCubbin grave a great presentation on Hill's experiences with five U.S. presidents, beginning with Dwight D. Eisenhower through Gerald R. Ford.

Photo slides and video accompanied their presentation. Now in his 80s, Hill is sharp as a tack and McCubbin said that he's the most intelligent man she knows.

Hill was the secret service agent who reached the Kennedy limousine in Dallas during the assassination. He described in vivid detail what happened. I shot a video of this part of his presentation and it is uploaded at YouTube. You can see it below:




Along with the JFK assassination, Hill talked about working for Lyndon Johnson, Viet Nam, Nixon (particularly the visit by Elvis Presley to the White House), Watergate and the Nixon resignation. He also talked about attending the Robert Kennedy funeral and burial with President Johnson (after the RFK assassination, presidential candidates began being given secret service protection under a law signed by Johnson) .

The presentation by Hill and McCubbin was an enjoyable event and I have to thank the fine folks at Book Passage for their work in putting it all together. It was well worth the nearly 400-mile drive from L.A.

Below, are more photos of today's event:

Above, outside view of Book Passage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, one of the displays of Clint Hill's books. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, other books by Hill and McCubbin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Clint Hill and Lisa McCubbin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Hill talks about working for President Eisenhower. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Hill recounts the JFK assassination. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Hill tells how writing his books was cathartic for him. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Robert Kennedy assassination portion of the discussion. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Elvis visits Nixon is recounted. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a large crowd in line for autographs by Hill and McCubbin. Photo by Armand Vaquer.