Reagan Ranch Command Post Restoration

All: The SOA was recently presented with an opportunity to promote an ongoing restoration project of the old USSS Command Post at the Reagan Ranch (aka Rancho Del Cielo). Inasmuch as dozens of our operators spent weeks on assignment there supporting Rawhide, it is right to spread the word. In this instance the “word” is coming from retired USSS agent Barbara Riggs (1975-2006). See her message below.

- The BOD

Dear Fellow Secret Service Colleague: 

In 1998, the Young America’s Foundation stepped forward to save President Reagan’s ranch and to preserve it as a living monument to the former president. The Foundation is committed to ensuring young Americans understand and are inspired by ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defense, free enterprise and service to our country. The ranch, named Rancho del Cielo and often referred to as the Western White House, is located atop the Santa Ynez mountain range northwest of Santa Barbara, California. 

From 1980 until the time of his death in 2004, President Reagan was provided U.S. Secret Service protection as a presidential candidate, president, and former president. The Secret Service Command Post that was constructed on the ranch over 40 years ago by the Navy Seabees remains intact and is in need of restoration.

I am partnering with the Reagan Ranch Center in a fundraising initiative to restore the USSS Command Post.

In addition to a complete restoration of the building, interpretive exhibits will be developed to provide visitors, particularly the young students, a better understanding of the role of the Secret Service at Rancho del Cielo and the special relationship many shared with Ronald Reagan. This will result in a more inspirational experience which may encourage many young people to consider careers in public service or federal law enforcement.

Once completed, the Secret Service Command Post will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the role of Secret Service personnel while on duty at the ranch; including special agents, K-9 officers, counter-sniper and counter assault teams, physical security and explosive ordnance technicians, and magnetometer specialists.

As part of this project, we are seeking: 

  • Original Artifacts and Photographs related to Reagan’s Rancho del Cielo (maps, surveys, hats, belt buckles, patches, lapel pins, etc.);

  • Stories, Information, and anything you would like to share about your experience at Rancho del Cielo, and your interaction with him as candidate/nominee, president or former president.

  • Tax Deductible Financial Donations to underwrite exhibit development and building restoration. (All funds raised will be earmarked exclusively for this project).

Your financial support is important for many reasons:

  • The interpretive exhibits within the USSS Command Post will provide the one place in the country where people can learn about Reagan’s character and integrity through the stories those who were sworn to protect him---his Secret Service detail. 

  • People will experience, feel, and be inspired by Reagan in a way that is simply not possible in any other venue.  Mrs. Reagan was often quoted as saying: “If you want to know Reagan the man, you have to go to the ranch.”

  • Like Mount Vernon and Monticello, Reagan’s Rancho del Cielo is an important piece of American history, and stands as a monument to the ideas and values of the 40th President of the United States.

I have taken on this fundraising initiative because I believe this presidential property should be preserved and maintained for future generations.

Financial donations may be made out to the Young America’s Foundation, and mailed to:

Andrew Coffin
Reagan Ranch Center
217 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Please indicate in your donation that it is for the “USSS-SOA CP Project.”

Donations of artifacts and/or photographs can also be sent to Andrew Coffin at the above cited address.

Further questions regarding the project may be directed to Barbara Riggs at barbarasriggs@gmail.com or 540-878-8386.

 

Thank you for your support,

Barbara Riggs

USSS 1975-2006