Marine Comes To The Rescue
Several months ago, my husband, Bill, received the American flag that had accompanied his father’s body back from Okinawa where he had been killed in combat in World War II.
I decided to create a memorial wall to display the flag along with Bill’s dad’s Purple Heart medal and certificate, two service portraits and a picture of his Marine Corps platoon dated 1944. This was to be a surprise for Father’s Day.
In my search for a display case for the flag, however, I became extremely discouraged. I ordered one from a catalog, but when it arrived, I could see it was too small and of inferior quality.
I had purchased all the other cases and frames and was relying on the flag display to be the crowning glory of the memorial wall.
I called all over Spokane, Seattle and Idaho, without success, looking for a suitable case for the flag.
Time was of the essence, and I was beside myself with frustration. Finally, the thought hit me: Call in the Marines!
I found a telephone number, crossed my fingers and dialed. The sergeant who answered listened to my entire story. When I asked if he could suggest someone I might contact, his reply was: “I’ll be happy to get you a display case.” I was floored.
After a few telephone calls back and forth, the sergeant came across town to my workplace - on his lunch hour - to show me a catalog page I could order from.
The sergeant then went to the base, on his own time, to buy a case for me (with no money upfront from me, by the way) and delivered it the next workday, again on his lunch hour.
Every time I thanked him, he responded: “I think what you have planned is wonderful.” He even offered to refold the flag if I had any trouble.
If ever there was a hero for me in going beyond the call of duty, it would be Sgt. Tim Lagunas. He gave me the opportunity to see my very special presentation to my husband become a reality.
If it had not been for him and his kindness, I never would have stood with my husband on Father’s Day morning to unveil a befitting and beautiful tribute to his father. My husband was awestruck, and tears of joy came rapidly for both of us.
It is a great comfort to know there are special people such as Tim Lagunas who make this world a better place because of their kindness. Helping out a complete stranger - just because. Semper fi!
MEMO: “Your turn” is a feature of the Wednesday and Saturday Opinion pages. To submit a “Your turn” column for consideration, contact Rebecca Nappi at 459-5496 or Doug Floyd at 459-5466 or write “Your turn,” The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane 99210-1615.