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Evening With Brigadier General James U. Cross

Wednesday, December 10, 2008, 6:00 p.m.
Connally Ballroom
University of Texas Alumni Center

Reception to follow.

On December 10, join us for an engrossing evening with General James Cross as he shares stories from his recent book Around the World with LBJ: My Wild Ride as Air Force One Pilot, White House Aide, and Personal Confidant. Lyndon Nugent, Johnson’s grandson, will introduce General Cross.

Cross served as Johnson’s pilot from 1962 until mid-1968. In July 1965, he was appointed as the President’s Armed Forces aide and director of the White House Military Office in addition to his piloting duties, thus making him the only Air Force One pilot to simultaneously hold a key position in the White House. His responsibilities included flying the President and other dignitaries around the world at a moment’s notice; managing a secret presidential emergency fund; supervising the President’s entire transportation fleet, his retreat at Camp David, and the presidential bomb shelters; expressing the President’s condolences to families of soldiers killed in Vietnam; and often bucking the traditional chain of command to accomplish these tasks. In these capacities, General Cross enjoyed a unique vantage point to experience Lyndon Johnson at his best and worst.

General Cross will sign copies of Around the World with LBJ, available for purchase at the event. Guests may also place advance orders with the LBJ Museum Store. For details, please call the Store at (512) 232-2396. Members of the Friends receive a 15% discount on purchases.

Please return the postcard enclosed with your invitation or email your RSVP to friends@lbjlib.utexas.edu by December 1 to indicate your attendance. Tickets are required and will be mailed to those who RSVP affirmatively. Guest tickets may be purchased and picked up at the event.

The Alumni Center is located at 2110 San Jacinto across the street from the Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on The University of Texas campus. We suggest parking in the San Jacinto Garage or the Brazos Street Garage at a cost of no more than $8. There are also a limited number of metered spots on San Jacinto.