For more than a century now, members of the United States Secret Service have stood by the sitting President's side.
They're ready to leap into action at a moment's notice, but how much do we really know about what's behind those stoic faces protecting our Commander in Chief 24/7?
Obviously, they like to keep most aspects of their job, well, a secret. It's literally right there in the title of their job. That also just makes them seem all the more mysterious to those of us on the outside.
Even though we've seen them as a constant at political events and appearances by the Presidents over the years, they've managed to keep their lips sealed. However, a few former agents and other White House insiders have also spilled some unexpected details about the organization.
Take a look to learn more about the Secret Service's history and a few of the more surprising aspects of their job.
And don't forget to SHARE the fascinating info with your friends on Facebook!
Thumbnail Photos: Wikimedia Commons / Chuck Patch, Public Domain Images / Lynn Greyling
1. They Were Formed The Day Abraham Lincoln Died
In an ironic twist of fate, according to Time, the Secret Service was created on April 14, 1865 — the very same day John Wilkes Booth ended President Lincoln's life at the Ford Theater.
However, they wouldn't have been much use to Honest Abe at the time anyway. The agency was originally formed as a division of the Treasury Department to crack down on counterfeit cash. They didn't switch to Presidential protection duty until 1901 after the assassination of President William McKinley.
2. They Stare Down Restaurant Chefs
Contrary to popular belief, a former White House chef spilled that there is no official taste tester.
However, any time a President eats at a restaurant, agents will be stationed in the kitchen to carefully monitor any food the President will consume to make sure the cooks aren't adding a dash of poison to the dish.
3. They Can Track The President's Movements In The Oval Office
When they aren't inside with the President, agents are still able to keep tabs on the Commander in Chief thanks to pressure pads lining the Oval Office's floor.
Journalist and author Ronald Kessler revealed this detail in his book Inside the White House.
4. They Don't Pledge An Oath To Take A Bullet
Ronald also revealed that although agents are aware of the possibility of standing between a bullet and the President, they never actually swear to give their life in the line of duty. That really only happens in the movies.
5. They’ve Only Ever Lost One Agent On Duty
Private Leslie Coffelt was shot three times in the line of duty on November 1, 1950, while protecting President Harry Truman.
He is the only agent in over a century to suffer fatal injuries — but he still managed to take out the assassination attempt.
6. They Follow The President On Bathroom Breaks
Their job is to remain at the President's side at all times, and yes, that includes while the President uses the bathroom. There is also an agent stationed with the President for doctor's appointments, no matter how intimate they might be, to ward off potential threats.
7. The Sunglasses Are For Stealth And Protection
Keeping their eyes sharp and healthy is obviously an essential aspect of the job, which is why they're sure to protect their peepers from UV rays with sunglasses.
It also helps them to scope out crowds for suspicious behavior without being super noticeable.
8. They Travel With Mini Blood Banks
While driving around with the President for events, their armored car is equipped with bags of the President's blood type in case of emergency, according to reports from NBC News.
They are also trained in "ten-minute medicine" tactics used to keep the President alive until medical authorities can arrive.
9. They Don't Just Protect Politicians
President Bill Clinton established National Special Security Event procedures in 1998 to protect against potential terrorist attacks at large events like the Super Bowl and Academy Awards.
10. They Have Never Had A Mole In Their Ranks
Unlike the FBI, CIA, and NSA who have all ousted spies from their organizations over the years, the Secret Service maintains a perfect record of loyal agents. Not a single traitor has ever been found among them.
11. They Have Their Own Café
Their headquarters might not look like much from the outside — a 10-story unmarked building — and we don't know much about what exactly they keep hidden away in there.
One thing we do know, though, is they are provided with good grub from the Silver Star Café, which is located inside. This detail is revealed in their write-up of the "Secret Service Agent-For-A-Week" program.
Did you learn something new about the men and women of the Secret Service? Be sure to SHARE the sneaky facts with your friends on Facebook!
