The Turner Family

We had several family members in Saturday's Cherry Festival Grand Royale Parade. It was a perfect day for marchers and spectators alike. Devyn was marching with the high school band (she'll be in 9th grade this fall) She's in the last row, second from left, with flute The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians also had an entry in the parade. Family members in the color guard: Glen's cousin Al in blue shirt, Glen in yellow shirt, Dennis in sailor suit, Glen's brother Ed on far right with feather flag.

As most of you know, President Obama and fam made their first trip to sub-Saharan Africa on 10 July, choosing Ghana instead of Kenya , his father's native country, for a number of reasons, including democracy, economy, human rights, etc. The US Embassy Accra was very busy for the last few weeks preparing for the visit, single-mindedly focusing on the event since about 22 June. Our office had major roles in ground, air, and sea security and support. I worked with the Secret Service as a liaison with the ground forces, or outer ring, of security, ensuring direct coordination between the two elements. The Navy chap did basically the same thing, but was primarily concerned with Ghana Navy security patrols down near the Cape Coast Castle and infamous door of no return. The Air Force chap was responsible for helping receive the dozens of C-17 Globemasters that we ferrying all the gear necessary to support the visit. Luckily for him, a USAF command and operations group was one of the fir