Chilton, who has testified in Congressional hearings on border issues, was surprised to hear that his name was known in the nation’s capital.
Then they had their picture taken together, as promised.
“About 50 minutes into his speech, he starts talking about my ranch, obviously based on what a speechwriter had interviewed me on,” Chilton said, referring to a phone interview that occurred after he agreed to attend the event.
“Then he invited me up on the stage,” Chilton said, his voice swelling to a crescendo, as he recalled one of the most memorable moments of his incredibly eventful life. “I was stage struck.”
He ascended the stairs of the stage in the enormous convention hall, as he was about to speak to the audience of about 7,000 people.
“He invited me to speak, and he said two words to me,” Chilton recalled.
What would the president say to a cattle rancher about to take the microphone on his invitation? Would it be a word of advice or caution, or a suggestion about what to say or not to say?
“Have fun,” President Trump told the border rancher.
And he did.
Jim Chilton, one of a small group of border residents who courageously speak out about the need to protect our nation’s southern border, received two standing ovations from a gathering of men and women who feed our nation.
He returned a phone call from an unknown number and ended up with a story his grandchildren will be telling their grandchildren.
Huey Freeman is the new Executive Editor at the Arizona Daily Independent.