By ASHLEY STAMPER
Contributing Writer, News Journal Star

Monday, May 4, 2009
Most people set goals they want to obtain within their lifetime; some even write a list and check off the goals as they are achieved, adding new ones to keep the list going.  Throughout his life, Cliff Rosenberger has set major goals, such as visiting the Oval Office and working for the president. One might think these goals are a bit farfetched, but Rosenberger has managed to obtain many of his “50 Dreams” by the age of 27. 

Rosenberger grew up in Clarksville and attended Clinton-Massie schools from kindergarten through high school.  “I could never get away with anything,” he said, because his grandfather and grandmother worked for the school district as bus supervisor and kitchen supervisor, respectively. Also, he lived within one mile of his aunts, cousins, grandparents, great-aunts and great-uncles and even great-grandparents.  “I’m a lucky guy because I grew up with my entire family not more than two minutes away.  These are the people who helped build and shape my character and were my examples and role models,” he said. 

While attending Wright State University, Rosenberger majored in political science but then switched to public administration, a field in Rosenberger was disappointed when he was stopped by police and only caught a glimpse of the governor.  Rosenberger vowed, “I will work for him someday and get involved in the political process, so I am not behind the lines again.” 

He first got involved in politics by volunteering for the 2004 Bush campaign, and after Bush took office, Rosenberger got even closer to his dream of working for the president. In 2005, he was chosen to participate in an internship at the White House, an honor given to only 100 students from across the nation.  Rosenberger worked for the Office of Political  Affairs under Jonathan Felts. He helped write political briefing papers for the president, researched current events and also identified photos for the president to sign and send to people in the states he visited.

Coming from a small town, Rosenberger described the experience as very humbling. When the internship ended, Rosenberger returned to Ohio and worked for the Ohio Republican Party. During this time, he received  an invitation to the White House Christmas Party.  “I didn’t eat the whole time because I was scared to drop something on the furniture,” he said.  While there, a former colleague asked him to come back to the White House and work as a staff member.

In 2006, Rosenberger returned to working in the Office of Political Affairs, but this time as an appointee of President Bush.  In the meantime, Rosenberger’s friend was working for Gov. Mitt Romney. Rosenberger was surprised when on a trip to Baltimore, his friend set up an interview for him with Romney.  The interview went well, and Rosenberger ultimately accepted the position of national political events director for the Romney 2008 presidential campaign.  Rosenberger dealt with budgets, timelines and campaign messages.

Unfortunately, the campaign was not successful, but that was not the end of Rosenberger’s political involvement. He and his family were invited to meet with the President in the Oval Office so Rosenberger could be thanked for his services during the Bush administration. However, instead of a farewell, Rosenberger received another job offer. He accepted, of course, and became the special assistant to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorn. 

While in this position, Rosenberger got the opportunity to welcome and escort the foreign minister of Vietnam to meet with Kempthorn. This is just one of Rosenberger’s many memorable experiences at the White House.  “I also got to fly in a Black Hawk helicopter with the border patrol,” he said. Rosenberger was with the Bush administration until the end, when President Barack Obama took office in January.  “There was no better feeling for me than when I crossed over the ‘Entering Clinton County’ sign on I-71,” he said about returning home to Clarksville.

After achieving his initial goals and experiencing what most people can only dream, one might wonder what is next for Rosenberger. He currently is working in the Air National Guard, preparing for an operational readiness  inspection, and he  is looking  into the possibility of running  for the 86th Ohio House of Representatives seat which  represents Clinton County.  Rosenberger’s career has been one of great opportunities and hard work. His ability to set goals and achieve  them will surely provide more memorable  experiences  in the future.  His answers to this week’s profile questions are below.

Family: Father, Mike; mother, Son ye; sister, Megan; grandparents, Chuck  and Phyllis; and aunts Vanessa  and Sheila Rose. “My family is truly my pillar of strength  and my greatest  friends. My father, in particular,  is my biggest  hero and role model and is the reason behind the man I am today.”
Hobbies: I love to study military  history and enjoy  collecting  and painting toy soldiers.  I also truly love getting involved  in community service  projects.
Favorite  food: Mac and cheese, a good cheeseburger, and my mother  always  has told me that I am a huge  fan of apple juice.
Favorite  movie: Indiana Jones series
Favorite  actor: Harrison Ford
Dream vacation: Touring European World War II battlefields. I know, incredibly boring, right? 
Best memory: The time I have spent with my family and friends. There are just too many memories to recall.  Best advice: Never stop dreaming. Keep service before yourself. And no matter what life may throw at you, always keep going.