While Clayton resident Denny Schlindwein was a Secret Service agent, members of the Bush family trusted him with their lives.<\/b>
\nThe walls of Denny Schlindwein\u2019s Clayton home tell a fascinating story, decorated with photos of his 25 years with the Secret Service.
While he was an agent, some of the most powerful people in the world trusted him with their lives.
During the Gulf War, he worked to protect members of the Bush family.
In George W Bush\u2019s 2000 run for president, he worked with Laura Bush.
\u201cThey are exactly like you think they are,\u201d Schlindwein said.
\u201cYou don\u2019t say much\u201d as a Secret Service member, he added. \u201cYou don\u2019t initiate the conversation, ever.\u201d
Schlindwein remembers a moment, on a visit to the Bush ranch in Texas. He said George H. W. Bush noticed him in the group.
Although it was painful for the former president to move at the time, he walked over.
\u201cHe said, \u2018I feel a lot better that you are here helping the family out,\u2019\u201d Schlindwein said. \u201cHe said, \u2018It is going to be OK; you guys are in good hands. Old-timer has it under control.\u2019 He shook my hand, and he hobbled back.\u201d
That moment stayed with him Saturday.
When Schlindwein heard the former president died, he went immediately to his wall of memories.
\u201cI will be sad all day about that,\u201d he said.
George H. W. Bush stands out for one incredible reason, Schlindwein said.
Secret Service agents share stories about the job, about the people they work with.
\u201cI never met an agent in 25 years, ever, that had anything bad to say about him,\u201d Schlindwein said.<\/p>\n