The Cardinal at North Hills, Raleigh’s premier urban continuing care retirement community, hosted two #1 New York Times bestselling authors: Lisa McCubbin, award-winning journalist, TV news anchor and reporter; and Clint Hill, a retired U.S. Secret Service Agent who served five presidents. Hill was in the motorcade in Dallas on November 22, 1963 and leapt onto the back of the presidential limousine in the midst of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. His primary responsibility was the protection of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, and for his actions that day Hill received the nation’s highest civilian award for bravery. During this special presentation, Hill took attendees back 50 years, telling the story of his heroic service, the PTSD and depression he suffered from after being unable to save President Kennedy and how Lisa McCubbin helped him “find a reason to live, not just exist.” McCubbin met Hill while writing the New York Times best seller, “The Kennedy Detail: JFK’s Secret Service Agents Break Their Silence.” Together, they told the story of their personal and inspiring journey at a special presentation titled “Mrs. Kennedy and Me” for residents and invited guests of The Cardinal at North Hills.

“We were pleased to offer this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so people could hear Hill and McCubbin team up again to bring history to life,” said Tom Ford, executive director of The Cardinal at North Hills. “As we walked through history with Hill, we heard how the most powerful men in the world dealt with the enormous responsibilities and challenges thrust upon them during some of the most tumultuous times in America’s history; times that encompass the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Vietnam War, Watergate, the resignations of Vice President Spiro Agnew and President Nixon, as well as the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy. It was an insightful and fascinating presentation for all who attended.”

With tender, often humorous anecdotes about life with the Kennedy family during those years of Camelot, as well as his riveting moment-by-moment account of what really happened that day in Dallas, Hill’s incredible story is one of courage, integrity, and resilience. Audiences left with an insight into the inner workings of the Secret Service, answers to the conspiracy theories, and inspiration from the powerful message of an unlikely hero. This event was part of The Cardinal at North Hill’s Art of Living Well Speaker Series.

Hill remains in contact with the U.S. Secret Service and is actively involved in training activities at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. In April 2012, Hill collaborated with journalist Lisa McCubbin to write “Mrs. Kennedy and Me,” a memoir of the four years he spent with Jacqueline Kennedy. Published in April 2012, the book immediately became a #1 New York Times best seller. Clint and Lisa's book, “Five Days in November,” the riveting moment-by-moment account of the days surrounding the assassination of JFK – along with 170 remarkable photographs – was released in November 2013.

McCubbin is an award-winning journalist who has been a television news anchor and reporter for NBC, ABC, and CBS, hosted her own talk radio show and spent more than five years in the Middle East as a freelance writer. McCubbin met Hill while writing the New York Times best-selling book, “The Kennedy Detail: JFK’s Secret Service Agents Break Their Silence” (with Gerald Blaine) in 2009. She convinced Hill that the information and memories he had buried for nearly 50 years were of historic value and should be documented. McCubbin collaborated closely with Hill and their newest book, “Five Presidents” has been named by ABC News as one of the “16 Must-Read Books for Summer."

“As a Kisco Senior Living community, The Art of Living Well philosophy is seen in every aspect of community life. We value providing these unique social and wellness opportunities to strengthen the mind, body and spirit,” said Ford. “Our goal for this speaker series is to bring in captivating personalities and distinguished individuals who create remarkable opportunities for residents to learn more, share experiences and enjoy incredible events.”