Dad, 27 Years Later, Attends Graduation

Darrell Harvey missed his daughter Ginger's graduation from Woodbridge Senior High School 27 years ago, and he could have gotten a note from President Ronald Reagan excusing his absence.

Now, nearly three decades after missing that milestone, the proud father was on hand Saturday to watch as daughter received her bachelor's degree from Strayer University in computer networking.

"It's real exciting," said Darrell. "You wouldn't believe 27 years later I got to go to graduation."

In June of 1982 Darrell, a retired Army master sergeant, was assigned to the U.S. Army's Transportation Office at the White House. In that capacity, he drove one of the limousines in the presidential motorcade. On the evening of Ginger's high school graduation, Darrell was in a familiar position -- behind the wheel, waiting on the president's arrival.

"They were supposed to bring me back so I could attend her graduation, but I was sitting on the tarmac (at Andrews Air Force Base), waiting for Air Force One to come in," said Darrell Harvey.

Cell phones weren't in use back then, and Ginger Harvey and her mom, Dina, could only hope that Darrell would arrive in time to see the ceremony.

"I had my white cap and gown on, it rained that day," Ginger said with a smile and a shake of her head.

"Her mom was there," Darrell quickly added.

Darrell had just returned from a stint in Korea with the Second Infantry Division and was stationed at Fort Eustis in 1976 when he got a call from the Department of the Army that would change his life.

"They asked me if I was standing up or sitting down," he recalled. "They told me I had been selected to go to the U.S. Army Transportation Office at the White House."

After a background investigation and training, Darrell began driving in motorcades that included President Jimmy Carter, then President Gerald Ford, and finally Reagan.

During Reagan's administration, Darrell was White House Deputy Chief of Staff Michael Deavers personal driver. It was Deavers who introduced Darrell to Reagan.

"I remember his [Reagan's] handshake to this day," he said. "He had a pretty powerful handshake."

Both Harveys are active in various veterans organizations, including the Vietnam Veterans of America and are helping plan the inaugural Manassas Veterans Day parade. In addition to her full-time job and volunteer activities, Ginger is also pursuing a singing career. She has recorded several CDs and recently opened at blues legend BB King's nightclub in Nashville.