The Press Badge I Did Not Know I Never Wanted To Have

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Spend any amount of time in politics and you will accumulate a collection of credentials for events because you are either working it or simply attending. I do not keep every single press credential, only ones that are unique due to the nature of the event or it holding special meaning.

The press badges I had for the 2024 Republican National Convention just look cool with its fighter jets and all-American designs, not to mention it was seeing President Trump for the first time in person since he had been shot while campaigning in Butler. I kept the “R” pin given to me by DHS staff when I traveled with Secretary Noem, which signaled to police and staff in the countries we visited that I was traveling with her.

I can’t think of the last time I traveled for a work-related event where I both felt great excitement and absolute dread. The excitement for this trip to Arizona came from being able to see friends and to comfort each other in person as opposed to over the phone. In fact, I don’t think there has ever been a case prior to this week in my constant travels since 2020. Sure, there have been cases of nervousness when going to risky assignments, but never dread.

Charlie’s memorial service now hold that distinction. To be clear, I wanted to go. I needed to go, but it was an odd mix of emotions going to an event to work while holding a deep connection to the reason for said event. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to hold it together (I mostly did, though I had my moments). One of the many reasons why I think it’s cool to be a field reporter is because you get to be at the scene of something, but, if you’re doing it right, are not part of the scene. You are simply there to observe and report back. Get in, observe, and get out.

Of course, during the more intense assignments, you feel it, but the job helps with keeping focus. You can always deal and process with the emotions in a healthy way after you get back home, again if you’re doing it right.

Not so with this recent trip. Getting the press credential across from State Farm Stadium almost didn’t seem real. How could it be? I was just on his show earlier this month. It was, unfortunately, all too real. It was good to see TPUSA staff I had not seen since the Student Action Summit in July. It might as well have been a lifetime ago. So much had changed.

The memorial service was wonderful. It is hard to describe the energy other than it was a perfect reflection of who Charlie was. Yes, there were tears, but there was joy in being together to honor what he did for the United States and for God. Every speaker was fantastic. If you have not watched the service, you should take time to watch it, especially Erika Kirk, President Trump, Stephen Miller, and Andrew Kolvet.

Lee Greenwood performing “God Bless the U.S.A.” live before Trump spoke was a personal favorite.

In my thank you post to Charlie, I forgot to mention that he and TPUSA are not only responsible for my career but also for my friendships that have been going on for almost ten years at this point. Charlie was very impactful at the marco and mirco level, even when he wasn’t trying to be.

I would be remiss if I didn’t repeat the point that yes, unlike the Black Lives Matter and Antifa movements, our side did not riot or set fire to cities after his unjust killing. It was an actual peaceful gathering. We mourned, prayed, worshipped God, and gained the resolve needed to continue the mission Charlie started. It’s far from over. We would rather have him with us for many more years. We are once again in uncharted territory. Our preferred outcome is not a guarantee. Yet, like Charlie, we will have to fight, fight, fight and do the work.

It is without question I will keep this event’s press badge, adding it to my collection. That said, it is the press badge I did not know, prior to September 10, 2025, I never wanted to have.