Straubel honored in Washington

Contributed photograph
KODAK MOMENT — Ben and Robyn Straubel take time for a “Kodak” moment in front of the Capitol. After the photograph, the couple ended up in the Senate gallery.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — When Ben Straubel joined the Maine Army National Guard over 10 years ago, he never dreamed he would be dining with the President. What he assumed was going to be a conference — since his superiors indicated he would be going to Washington — turned into a highlight of his career.
    Staff Sgt. Ben Straubel of the Maine Army National Guard and his wife Robyn of Hermon were honored guests at the White House on Feb. 29 as part of a “Nation’s Gratitude” — a dinner recognizing those who served in Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn hosted by President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama.
    Straubel is the son of Pastor Steve and Sandi Straubel of Littleton and his wife is the daughter of Melvin and Sheryl Duff of East Hodgdon.
    “We are proud of where we come from – The County — and our families,” Straubel said.
    Robyn checked the mail on Valentine’s Day, along with their regular mail was a white card-stock invitation to the White House.
    “It was pretty cool,” Straubel said. “Even though we were extremely excited, immediately we were like, we need to get [my wife] a dress.”
    Straubel wasn’t disappointed, as Robyn wore a black floor-length maternity gown with sequin detail, as the couple are expecting their third child in June to join brothers Conrad, 6 and Elliot, 4.
    “She looked stunning,” Straubel said.
    The Straubels landed in Washington D.C. on Feb. 28 for what turned out to be a surreal trip to the Capitol. Starting at noon on Feb. 28, Straubel was being interviewed by a variety of media until late in the afternoon.
    “A pre-reception was held at the hotel,” Straubel explained. “This is when we received information on what to expect for a security check. It was also a social event with a lot of media, mostly military news channels and local D.C networks.”
    Robyn said the “whole evening felt like a movie.”
    The guests then boarded buses making their way across town to Capitol Hill with the aid of a motorcade.
    “There were motorcycles and cop cars holding traffic” noted Straubel. “Robyn and I sat in the front bus, so we got to see a lot of that, which was neat.”
    Upon arrival, guests were ushered through security screenings.
    “She and I were the first ones in, along with another man,” said Straubel. “Each person was getting checked in individually and we just happened to be in the front bus in the front seat.”
Contributed photograph
SPECIAL EVENING — Staff Sgt. Ben Straubel and his wife, Robyn, pose in the Blue Room during their invited visit to the White House. The Washington Monument can be seen through the window.
    Staff directed the guests down a long hall after the security screenings where the Straubels noticed portraits of first ladies, along with collages of presidents with their children or their dog. From there it was a walk up a flight of stairs.
    “We were standing on the first floor of the White House,” Straubel said. “It was pretty incredible.”
    The evening began with a two-and-a-half hour reception where guests could socialize or take in the White House, as Straubel’s wife jumped at the chance to do.
    “The military attendants walked up to Robyn and said to make sure to get as many pictures as she could, as the whole downstairs of the White House was completely open. We could go wherever we wanted. She got the camera right out,” laughed Straubel.
    “I wanted to take it all in, but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to take as many pictures as possible to show others who would never have the chance to see the White House for themselves,” she said in her defense.
    Before being introduced, guests were escorted to the State Dining Room and then led to the Blue Room through the Red Room where the President and First Lady greeted each one individually.
    “The President shook our hands and the First Lady gave Robyn a nice big hug. She wished her congratulations on the pregnancy.”
    The dinner was held in the East Room and music was provided by the Marine Corps Presidential Band, which Straubel said, “was in full dress uniform, playing show tunes and dinner music.”
     “I could have listened to them all night,” Robyn added.
    The Secretary of Defense addressed the crowd, along with Vice President Joe Biden and the President. Something touched a nerve for Robyn during Vice President Biden’s speech.
    “I know we were there to represent the Maine Army National Guard, but I couldn’t help but think of people like Scott Sjoberg, Aaron Henderson and James Zimmerman.
    “I remember when Scott and Aaron joined the Army, I was so proud of them then and I still am for all their service,” Robyn added. “Vice President Biden’s speech made me think of the sacrifices of all our men and women serving, but especially the ones I know personally.”
    Straubel’s sister Lexi is a combat medic at Fort Jackson, S.C. and has served a deployment to Afghanistan and just recently had her first child, while his younger brother Zach is with the Maine Army National Guard, Military Police, and is serving in Houlton. Zach is getting ready for a deployment to the Middle East.
    The whole evening was nothing short of magnificent.
    “We received the royal treatment,” Straubel said. “It was very enjoyable. The whole idea of dinner was a nation paying tribute to those who specifically served in Iraq, but we reminded ourselves about soldiers who served in Iraq altogether.”
    Some who came back home and those who did not.
    “It was bittersweet,” Straubel said. “I lost some pretty close friends on my deployment and keeping that in the forefront of our minds for sure.”
    While in Iraq, Straubel took shrapnel to his face, arm and leg. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Valor, Maine Silver Star and a Combat Infantry Badge. He served in Iraq from April 2005 to July 2006. He second deployment was to Afghanistan from Dec. 2009 to Dec. 2010.
    Straubel joined the Maine Army National Guard in Dec. 2001 after spending time in college and the workforce. He served with the 3/172nd Mountain Infantry Unit out of Brewer where he was the Training NCO for 10 years before taking the position of Human Resources officer with the 286th CSSB out of Bangor.
    The dinner will always be a special time of remembrance for all who serve and have served.
    “It was senior high ranking officers and enlisted people who have been in the military three times longer than I have,” said Straubel. “They were as excited and it was as much of a thrill to them, as us. It is a once in a lifetime.”
    Straubel is a 1999 Houlton High School graduate and his wife, Robyn, a 1998 Hodgdon High School graduate.
    “I still can’t believe we walked around the White House, met and shook hands with the President and others,” said Robyn. “We ate food on White House china! Every moment I hope to write down and put in a scrapbook so I never forget the details.”
    Momentos from the evening include menu cards, place cards and plenty of hors d’oeuvre napkins.
    “All the newspaper articles will help with remembering the evening,” Robyn laughed.