He may just be five-years-old, but Ocean Lakes Elementary School’s Christopher Pulley knows how to make an impression.
Last month, he was a personal guest of First Lady Michelle Obama for a White House Mother’s Day tea, honoring the work of mothers either serving in or serving with the armed forces.
Pulley’s mother, Nimyah, was selected for her work with The Mission Continues, a nonprofit organization that helps veterans as they are adjusting back into the civilian world. Pulley, who served in the Air Force herself, worked in the first service platoon in Norfolk, and was nominated to be considered for the tea by her platoon leader.
“I was honored,” Nimyah said. “To be honored at the White House (and) to have my son and my mother share that with me was an amazing experience.”
For his part, Christopher got to tour parts of the White House, make crafts with children from across the country and meet Michelle Obama personally.
And, what did he say first to Mrs. Obama when they were introduced?
“I know how to fly,” he told her.
Unfazed, Obama encouragingly believed him.
“Fly on, buddy,” she told him.
Christopher said he enjoyed his time at the White House, and that if his fellow classmates were to ever go, he would remind them that they would have to dress up nicely.
“I had fun seeing new friends,” he said. “I had fun there.”