I had the joy and pleasure of sharing the Mission 11 Talons Out Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. with Linda just two and a half weeks before her death.  Although a key founding member in getting the Talons Out flights to fly out of Kalamazoo, Linda had never been a guardian before.  Her previous nine flights saw her serving in many other capacities from flight staff to bus captain.  But she had never been the escort for an individual veteran.

When I talked with her at our Guardian training, she was SO excited to be able to accompany one veteran visit "his memorial". The smile on her face as she talked about the upcoming opportunity truly lit up the room! 

Knowing Linda, that veteran had a truly memorable experience as she shared her wealth of knowledge and facts about Washington and the various memorials the flight group visited. Her love of our country and her deep appreciation for our military would have been evident to her travel companion. 

It was my honor to know her and to walk with her for part of this life's journey.  Our veterans have lost a strong ally; our community has lost a committed volunteer; and our country has lost a dedicated leader.

God speed, General McTague.