Why the 13 guests invited by Donald Trump to his 2nd State of the Union Address are very special

Admin l Tuesday, Feb. 05, 2019

WASHINGTON, United States – President of the United States tonight delivered his second State of the Union Address(SUA) in Washington and had 13 invitees as special guests. Leading the pack is Matthew Charles, a U.S pastor that was redeemed from the pit of hell.

“In 1996, he was sentenced to 35 years in prison for selling crack and other related offenses. While in prison, Matthew found God, completed more than 30 bible studies, became a law clerk, taught GED classes, and mentored fellow inmates. On January 3, 2019, Matthew was the first prisoner released as a result of the First Step Act”, the White House said in a statement.

Ashley Evans is another special guest invited to the occasion. Evans struggled with opioid and substance abuse for much of her life but in 2017, she became pregnant and suffered a relapse. “Her recovery began with the birth of her daughter along with the help of Brigid’s Path, a medical care facility in Kettering, Ohio. Ashley has persevered and was able to overcome many obstacles to maintain her sobriety.

“She is passionate about sharing her story of hope. On February 9, 2019, Ashley will celebrate 1 year and 1 month in recovery and on February 15, 2019, she will be reunited with her daughter full-time”, the White House said.

In the list is Joshua Trump, a 6th grade student in Wilmington, Delaware. He likes science, art, and history. A lover of animals, he wanted to pursue a related career. His hero and best friend is his Uncle Cody, who serves in the United States Air Force. “Unfortunately, Joshua has been bullied in school due to his last name. He is thankful to the First Lady and the Trump family for their support”, the White House said.

Debra Bissell, Heather Armstrong, and Madison Armstrong were also invited to this special occasion. “Gerald and Sharon David of Reno, Nevada, were tragically murdered in their home in Nevada by an illegal immigrant in January 2019. The terrible loss devastated both their community and three generations of their family who will be represented at the State of the Union: the Davids’ daughter Debra, granddaughter Heather, and great-granddaughter Madison”, the White House said in a statement,

Others are Grace Eline, who sees herself as a special person. She is blessed with a kind heart and infectious smile. At 9, Grace was diagnosed with Germinoma, a germ-cell brain tumor, and in May 2018, Grace started cancer treatment. Throughout the rest of the year, Grace stayed positive and strong and cheering up other patient. Grace recently finished chemotherapy and today shows no evidence of the disease. She is determined to help other children who are fighting cancer.

Elvin Hernandez also made the list . He is a Special Agent with the Trafficking in Persons Unit of the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations division. “He has more than 18 years of Federal law enforcement experience investigating narcotics, gangs, and human trafficking. During his current 7-year assignment, Elvin has conducted numerous successful international human trafficking investigations involving transnational organized crime groups”, the White House statement said.

Also invited is Roy James, Plant Manager of the Vicksburg Forest Products lumber facility. He rose through the rank and file lfor 26 years and became Vice President of Operations. It was when life seemed good to him that he was told that factory is wounding up. Llast year, Vicksburg was designated an Opportunity Zone through provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The plant soon reopened and Roy was hired to oversee the entire facility.

Timothy Matson is also lucky to make the list. Timothy Matson joined the Pittsburgh Police Department in 2005 and made the SWAT team in 2016. In October 2018, Tim responded to the mass shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue, where he suffered multiple gunshot wounds and saved countless lives in that heinous, anti-Semitic attack.

Closely related to the story of Matson, is Judah Samet, a member of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. In October 2018, he survived the horrific shooting that killed 11 members of his community. Judah, who is a survivor of the Holocaust, immigrated to Israel after the war and was present for the declaration of the Israeli State in 1948. He served as a paratrooper and radio man in the Israeli Defense Forces and moved to the United States in the 1960s.

Tom Wibberley also made the list. He is the father of Navy Seaman Craig Wibberley, who was killed on the U.S.S. Cole. “Craig grew up in Williamsport, Maryland, and enjoyed fly fishing, snow skiing, and working with his father on old Corvettes. He had a passion for computer science and decided to join the Navy and pursue an opportunity to further his training in computers.

“Craig served aboard the U.S.S. Cole with distinction and was accepted to the Navy Information Technician School. His commander planned to recommend him for Officer Candidate School. However, on October 12, 2000, Craig and 16 fellow members of the crew were killed in a terrorist attack. Craig was only 19. After Craig’s death, a scholarship fund was created that gives out four $1,000 scholarships each year to students studying computer science”, the White House said in a statement. Next is Alice Johnson who got Trump’s clemency on June 6, 2018.

“Alice had been serving a mandatory life sentence without parole for charges associated with a nonviolent drug case. During her nearly 22 years of incarceration, Alice accomplished what has been called an “extraordinary rehabilitation.” After her release, she was overjoyed to be reunited with her family. She has now dedicated her life to helping those who are in a similar position as she was and giving a voice to the criminal justice reform movement”, the White House statement added.