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The LOU – Hilton Pennywell

We drove down from Chicago to get a real road trip vibe. Of all the best friend trips we have taken this was our first road trip as adults. Also the drive is not bad at all, I left the city. Picked up Ash in the suburbs and we kept heading south all the way to St. Louis.

We’re staying at the Hilton Pennywell and it was a breath of fresh air. We were just expecting to drop our bags off and head to the Arch. But our room was ready early so we checked in and then we headed up to our king room on the 4th floor. 403, not a good view but nice room overall. King bed, refrigerator and the standard desk and stand alone chair. It also had a standard luggage rack. I have noticed some new modern hotels will have it built into the furniture.

Then we headed down to the Gateway Arch National Park. I learned that it is the smallest of all the National Parks in the United States at 91 acres. Gateway Arch National Park is nestled in the heart of St. Louis, Missouri. At its core is the iconic Gateway Arch, a 630-foot stainless steel monument that symbolizes the nation’s westward expansion. Designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, the Arch was completed in 1965 and remains the tallest man-made monument in the United States. Last time I was there I was a kid … like 12 maybe? And OMG the top is the exact same! Its like a time warp going up there!

The park encompasses the Old Courthouse, where the infamous Dred Scott case was first heard in 1847. This landmark decision denied citizenship to African Americans and intensified national tensions leading up to the Civil War. The courthouse was closed for many years for updates and renovations. The final result is stunning. When you walk in and find yourself under the dome stop and look UP ⬆️ it’s a gorgeous part of our American culture.

Beneath the Arch lies a state-of-the-art museum that delves into over 200 years of American history, from the Louisiana Purchase to the civil rights movement. I remember seeing a museum when I visited before but what they have created now it nothing short of magnificent. The interactive exhibits and immersive displays offer visitors a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s expansion and the diverse cultures that shaped it. Not only that they have put a huge emphasis on what this experience feels like for someone who is blind or other disabilities.

A highlight for many is the Tram Ride to the Top, where visitors ascend to the Arch’s apex for panoramic views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. What some might not realize is that experience is not engaging for someone with a disability. When they redesigned the museum in 2018 they thought about someone who is disabled and may not be able to see at the top.

Gateway Arch National Park is open year-round, offering a range of experiences for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and families alike. Admission to the museum is free, while tickets for the Tram Ride to the Top can be purchased online or on-site. Given its central location, the park is easily accessible by public transportation, and nearby parking options are available. We parked at the hotel and it was $25 for overnight self parking.

In essence, Gateway Arch National Park encapsulates the American journey—its aspirations, challenges, and triumphs. Whether you’re gazing up at the towering Arch, exploring the depths of the museum, or reflecting on the nation’s past at the Old Courthouse, a visit to this park offers a profound connection to the stories that have shaped the United States.

American Cancer Society Jet Drag with Delta Airlines

Last month I had the privilege of working with Delta and an amazing team of people to raise money for the American Cancer Society (ACS)! The 2025 Delta Jet Drag once again showcased the incredible synergy between Delta Air Lines and the American Cancer Society (ACS), uniting thousands in a spirited effort to combat cancer. Held on April 25 at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the event marked its over 15 years of record-breaking enthusiasm and fundraising.

This year, teams of 25 Delta employees each took on the formidable challenge of pulling a 255,000-pound Boeing 757 a distance of 25 feet. The competition wasn’t just about strength; it symbolized the collective determination to move the needle in cancer research and support. Notably, the event raised over $1.4 million for ACS, underscoring the profound impact of corporate-community collaboration.

The Delta SkyMiles Life team made a significant impact at the 2025 Jet Drag event, demonstrating the power of community and determination in the fight against cancer. The team participated in the annual fundraiser at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport!

I was a member of that amazing SkyMiles Life team, we not only showcased our strength but also our commitment to the cause. We achieved an impressive pull time of 10.5 seconds, securing second place in the Corporate Division. Beyond our athletic feat, the team raised an outstanding $47,000 for the American Cancer Society!

Cinco de Mayo – May 5th

I like many others misunderstood this holiday. Cinco de Mayo, or the Fifth of May, is a vibrant cultural celebration often mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day. In reality, it commemorates the unlikely victory of the Mexican army over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

The historical backdrop is key: in the 1860s, Mexico was financially struggling and had defaulted on debts to European powers. France, under Napoleon III, sought to expand its empire by invading Mexico. On May 5, 1862, a poorly equipped Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the French forces at Puebla. Although the victory was more symbolic than strategic—France later succeeded in occupying Mexico—it became a powerful symbol of Mexican resistance and unity.

Today, Cinco de Mayo is more widely celebrated in the United States than in Mexico. In Mexico, it’s mostly observed in the state of Puebla with military parades and reenactments. In the U.S., however, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a broader celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, especially in areas with large Mexican-American populations.

Cinco de Mayo serves as a reminder of resilience against great odds. It’s not about margaritas or commercialized parties, but about cultural pride, historical reflection, and honoring the spirit of a people who stood their ground. This is what we should be celebrating. In the United States we have so many people who are uneducated and don’t understand how basic functions of our government work. All of this is made worse by our current president who I did NOT vote for!

Since today is Cinco de Mayo, take a moment to look beyond the festivities and reflect on the courage and perseverance behind the date. Whether through music, food, or history, it’s a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Mexican identity and the enduring values of freedom and resistance.