Sailor, athlete making remarkable memories

Is this a great country, or what?

That's a line which we hear a lot, especially after something good and unexpected happens. Just ask Ted Chancellor and Christina Houghtelling, who are grateful they are living life to the fullest in the USA.

Both are in the midst of memorable experiences.

Ted, a 2005 graduate of McCook High School, couldn't be happier after being selected as a member of the elite Honor Guard of the United States Navy.

"I love it," says Ted, who is in the 15th month of his two-year commitment to the ceremonial unit. "It's a great honor."

Ted, the son of Ken and Rose Chancellor of McCook, has been an eye witness to history as a casket bearer for revered national leaders. You may have seen him on national television, as Ted was among the military team which carried the casket of President Gerald Ford. Ted was also in full military regalia as a bearer of the caskets of the oldest male and oldest female veterans of World War I.

Although still in his teens (he will turn 20 next month), Ted has already been chosen for a leadership role. "I was named leader of the 14-member team of casket bearers this week," Ted said during a telephone interview Thursday night. "It's a job which carries a lot of responsibility. I was busy today training new members."

In his ceremonial role, Ted has been privileged to be face-to-face with a number of international leaders. "I was there for ceremonies for the Queen of England, as well as events in honor of leaders from Bosnia, Indonesia and Afghanistan," he said.

Ted is not sure what lies ahead. "I'll be in the Honor Guard until the first of the year, then will be reassigned, possibly to Pensacola in Florida." But, whatever happens, Ted has already amassed enough treasured memories to last a lifetime.

He's only been out of high school two years, but Ted is representing America at the highest levels of diplomacy.

Presidential Meeting

A number of outstanding honors have been achieved by Christina Houghtelling, including being selected as the National Player of the Year for college volleyball in 2005-06.

Now, Christina has another experience to add to her exciting college career. She was at the White House with her Nebraska Cornhusker teammates a week ago to meet President George W. Bush.

She and other members of the team visited with the president in the China Room and each had the opportunity to shake hands with the nation's chief executive.

"President Bush is a real cool, fun guy," she said. "I couldn't believe how laid back he was. My teammates and I were talking later and we were all surprised. We expected the occasion to be much more formal."

Upon her return to Lincoln, Christina, 21, jumped back into a vigorous conditioning schedule, working out four days a week to get ready for the 2007-08 volleyball season.

She's recovering from shoulder surgery, which kept her out of competition during the Huskers' triumphant '06-'07 season. "I'm at a good place. I'm working hard and looking forward to a return to action," she said.

Christina, a 2003 graduate of Cambridge High School, is the daughter of Ken and Beth Houghtelling of Cambridge. She is an honor student, majoring in elementary education.

This will be the culmination of Christina's college years. She and her Husker teammates will be shooting for another national championship this season and Christina is on track to get her degree in December.

We're proud of Ted and Christina.

Yes, this is a great country, and it's staying that way because of the efforts of young people who dedicate themselves to lives of action and accomplishment.