"Met Elvis Presley in Las Vegas in august of 1972.

I was in the Navy stationed at point mugu California and drove to Vegas to see him live at the midnight show. I was in uniform alone and the maitre de sat me in a single seat center stage 3 seats from the stage. During the performance Elvis called me out and thanked me for my service and asked me what my job was and I replied I was an air traffic controller at point mugu California. He said man you have a stressful occupation for a young man. I told him ive waited all my life to see him in person and he thanked me and said enjoy the show.

I was 23 at the time and was so blown away he called me out.

Near the end of the show a man came up to me and asked me if id like to meet Elvis after the show and I replied are you serious? He said absolutely. He escorted me to back stage and to a room and after a while Elvis appeared showered and hyped up after his show. He sat down next to me and talked about his army service and wanted to know where I was from and what I was going to do spin discharge, how I liked serving my country and what music I listened to, about my parents and my sisters.

He was so down to earth and so polite. We spent 20 minutes or so just talking and he said he needed to get upstairs and try to unwind so he could sleep. I asked him for an autograph and he gave me one and a couple of autographed photos and Joe Esposito escorted me downstairs and I thanked him for his kindness and he told me Elvis enjoyed the meeting more than me.

I was so excited and it took me a month to come down off my buzz. He was absolutely so down to earth and really interested in what was going on in my life. I will remember this until the day I die.

It was the most exciting thing I’ve ever experienced in my life. I have so much respect for him and was devistated in 77 when I heard he passed away. Maybe we will see each other on the other side. I hope."