Sandy Ullman celebrates number 96

The Reliable Source hosted a unique celebration on March 11, when Sanford “Sandy” Ullman was feted by his National Press Club poker pals and Club staff on his 96th birthday.

The celebration was complete with cake and candle (singular), compliments of Mesfin Mekonen, Reliable Source manager.

Still active in the Club, Sandy became a member in 1971, when he came to Washington at the end of a distinguished and diverse career in journalism, writing, public relations and the military.

Sandy claims to be the oldest surviving journalist in the Club because he was editor and publisher of the Rockaway, N.Y., News in 1930, when he was just 15. It seems that the editor of that paper, upon becoming too ill to work, gave Sandy the job because of the youngster’s experience putting out his high school paper.

Sandy’s journalism career was interrupted by his service in World War II. He later served in Korea as well, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel. Between those wars, he spent time in Hollywood, writing for Republic Pictures and stars such as Gene Autry and a guy he befriended who he calls “Dutch” Reagan.

In 1967, Sandy joined NASA and ran all radio and TV matters for Apollo 8 and 11. His one time NASA friends brought him to Washington in 1971 to work in public affairs for the National Association of Broadcasters. He ultimately retired to the Club card room, where he still garners more than his share of poker winnings.