Ark Valley News - Local men witness political history

Weston Brewster (left) and Andrew Dennett show their support for President Donald Trump before his inauguration Jan. 20.

Local men witness political history
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: February 02, 2017

They weren't exactly front-row seats. In fact, they weren't even seats at all.

Still, two local men had a decent view as history unfolded last week, even if they were standing to watch it.

Andrew Dennett, 18, of Valley Center and Weston Brewster, 22, of Bel Aire were among the hundreds of thousands of spectators at President Donald Trump's inauguration Jan. 20. (Of course, in this season of fake news and alternative facts, the exact number of spectators is being debated.)

They stood to the right of the stage several yards back.

They could barely see the president as he made his speech, but they could hear him, and they liked what he said.

"I loved his speech," Dennett said.

Dennett, a senior at Sunrise Christian Academy, and Brewster, a senior majoring in finance at Wichita State University, were accompanied by Brewster's parents and two of his aunts. One of his aunts lives in the Washington, D.C., area, while the other works in Congressman Mike Pompeo's Wichita office.

The trip was a whirlwind.

"It was crazy, but it was really awesome," Brewster said.

The group flew out of Wichita Jan. 18. They toured Arlington Cemetery and some monuments, went to the inauguration and then witnessed the Women's March.

"It hasn't really all sunk in," Dennett said. "It was a cool trip."

Dennett and Brewster said they supported Trump's presidential bid and they are encouraged by Trump's promises.

"He's not a politician," Dennett said. "…. We've had a system of politics for so long that's not benefitting us like it should be. He says things not to get elected, but because he wants it."

Dennett said he was impressed by Vice President Mike Pence.

"A lot of it was Pence, honestly," Dennett said. "It's his openness about religion. He's pro-life, and limited government is always good."

Brewster said Trump's campaign theme to help America "win" again resonated with him.

"Where has that thought been?" he said.

Brewster said he hopes Trump can breathe life into the nation's economy, secure its borders and increase national security.

Dennett said Trump has the business sense to help the economy.

Brewster and Dennett hope Trump has a successful presidency.