From the Director's Desk

JULY 2010

As usual, traffic was heavy, congested as it moved along Hall Road in Michigan’s Macomb County.

As usual, I was testing the limits of time en route to the quarterly TAP class at the Selfridge Air National Guard base in Harrison Township, north of Detroit. It would be good to see the TAP coordinators as well as fellow service members who were getting up close and personal to their separation dates.

The first hint that something wasn’t quite normal came into view about three miles from the base. A Macomb County Sheriff’s vehicle was stopped in the curb lane, lights flashing and facing traffic. No accident scene. No crime scene. Just a single Sheriff’s deputy sitting in his vehicle.

In my haste to get to the class, I dismissed the interruption. Then, maybe two miles from the base one could see a number of flashing lights from emergency vehicles. Was there a problem with an incoming aircraft? Some other incident?

As I approached the front gate, I saw two fire trucks, their ladders elevated in an arch holding the American flag. Immediately my mind knew this was a tribute to a fallen hero.

The memory tripped back several days to news that three Michigan men had been killed in Afghanistan within the past week to 10 days.

After coming out of the security office with my pass, a light mist began falling, a sign perhaps of tears falling from above. As I drove to the checkpoint, the guard closed the gate, approached me and said it will be a few minutes. "There’s a funeral procession coming through," he said.

Suddenly, the TAP class didn’t seem so urgent. Dozens of police, fire and soldiers, airmen and sailors waited by the front gate to pay tribute.

After a while, the lights approached, led by about 50-60 motorcycles from the Patriot Guard riding escort. Those soldiers, sailors, airmen, police officers and firefighters (and veterans) now stood at attention.

The hearse carrying Marine Cpl Jeremy R. Standfest, 23, whisked by on its way to a local funeral home.

Cpl. Standfest was assigned to the 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force in Twentynine Palms, Calif. He died 16 June while supporting combat operations in Helmand province.

Moments after the procession left the base with full police escort the gate reopened. A line of maybe 50 cars was on the base, waiting to leave.

I made it to the TAP class with about one official minute to spare. When I said I was delayed at the gate….the instructors groused about security holding me up.

"No. No, I told them. It was a funeral procession."

Minutes later, the discussion on how soon-to-be veterans can start their own business began in earnest. This small, but eager group, which included three Navy types, a Coastie and some Army folks anxiously awaited the next chapter in their lives. I couldn’t help but think these men and women have completed their military careers and are ready to embark on a new chapter of their lives.

The entire day made me grateful to those who still serve and, especially, to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

I thank you for your service.

Edward L. Ronders
Executive Director

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