Past, present meet for British Airman Published June 9, 2017 By Douglas Hays 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- While most of Grissom’s ambassadors were heading ‘across the pond’ away from family and friends, one aerial porter, was simply heading home.Senior Airman Jordi Saunders, a cargo services specialist with the 49th Aerial Port flight, was among a group of 20 that deployed to RAF Mildenhall to help commemorate Memorial Day at the American Cemetery in Cambridge May 25-31. Saunders also happens to hail from Milton Keynes, England a town about 70 miles west of Mildenhall, so the trip was a homecoming of sorts.“I was able to take a train and surprise my grandparents, aunts and uncles,” Saunders said. “I didn’t even tell my parents I was coming so they couldn’t spoil the surprise.”Saunders and those representing Grissom were chosen by their commanders to help foster a greater knowledge the 434th Air Refueling Wing history.One of the highlights for him and others was the Memorial Day ceremony itself at the American Cemetery in Cambridge.“The ceremony was both somber and amazing,” Saunders said. “Seeing and saluting the handmade wreaths, knowing what they represented and the effort that went into it all, it sent chills down your spine.”Saunders came to the United States when he was nine years old when his father, who worked in sales, was transferred to LaPorte.As his graduation drew near in 2014, Saunders had a decision to make — go to school in the U.S. or head back to the U.K. to attend university. He decided to go to school at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana, but needed a way to pay for it, so he enlisted in the Air Force Reserve and joined the 49th APF.As a native son, he became an unofficial tour guide for many, even though he himself had never been to Mildenhall or Cambridge.Where he was able to help out was with the food choices.“When it comes to food, I’m your man,” he said with a laugh. “The British have specialties that we’re known for – especially pies and sweets.”For the future, Saunders plans on completing his degree in human rights law and Central Eurasian studies, and hopes to later earn a commission and continue to serve but now with a greater connection.“To see the poppy drop representing the blood of those who bled for us -- with the poppies floating against the background of the American flag, Wall of the Unknowns, survivors, and descendants of those who had perished really put things into a perspective that you tend to lose with the one-weekend a month duty,” he added.The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.Stay connected with the 434th ARW on Facebook and Twitter.
