Forest Lockley, War Veteran
War makes strange giant creatures out of us little routine men who inhabit the earth.
Ernie Pyle
The Secret Service agent on the phone was emphatic. “We’re going to need 26 golf carts.”
“But we’ve only got 22 on the entire property,” replied Dennis Satyshur, Director of Golf at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland.
The agent was unrelenting. “Then find four more.”
After 87 rounds at Andrews Air Force base, President Barack Obama decided to break out of his golf comfort zone and give Caves Valley a Saturday afternoon test drive. A busy summer of tiresome Congressional debates and pesky foreign policy battles left the President in search of a change of pace, and his aides believed spending a few hours at the plush private club located a 70-minute drive from the White House would do him good.
The logistics of any presidential visit can leave quite the footprint, a fact made crystal clear by the dozen or so bulletproof Black Cadillac Escalades that lumbered through the club’s front gate. Followed shortly thereafter by another dozen. Caves Valley did its part by moving all the afternoon tee times to the back tees, leaving the pastoral front nine wide open. If anyone in the presidential foursome had to yell “FORE” due to an errant shot, it was to warn the Secret Service agents lining the fairways to shield themselves with their submachine guns.
President Obama was greeted in front of the stately colonial clubhouse by Dennis Satyshur. A small welcoming ceremony followed, filled with handshakes and photo ops with several Caves Valley members and staff. Dennis looked across the tranquil compound toward the Men’s locker room and noticed a familiar face plastered against a window, digesting the once-in-a-lifetime event. “Mr. President,” said Dennis, interrupting the proceedings. “If you don’t mind, there is someone I’d like you to meet.”
Forest Lockley, a long-time Caves Valley employee, works part-time in the locker room as an attendant. A slender black man beloved for his gentle composure and affable demeanor, and who treats every guest as if he were a member, Forest is a Caves Valley icon who plays an integral role molding the club’s first-class reputation. Dennis escorted the President toward a flagpole located near the locker room’s entrance. Then he motioned Forest to join them. The threesome stood alone.
“Mr. President,” said Dennis, “It’s my pleasure to introduce you to Mr. Forest Lockley. Not only is Mr. Lockley a valued member of the Caves Valley community, but he is also a World War II veteran who fought bravely during the invasion of Normandy.”
President Obama extended his hand. “It’s an honor to meet you, Forest,” said the leader of the free world. Then he reached deep into a pocket of his khaki pants and pulled out a silver dollar-sized commemorative medallion stamped with the Presidential Seal on one side and the White House on the other. “On behalf of a grateful nation, it’s my privilege to present to you this token of appreciation for your service to our country.”
Forest took ahold of the medallion and stared at it, turning it over and over in his trembling hands. The last thing he thought would happen to him when he woke up this morning was receiving a handshake and a gift from the President of the United States. Forest was too humbled to speak.
Dennis stepped in. “Forest, why don’t you offer to salute the President.” After a brief pause, Forest took a quick step back, straightened his 90-year old back, and snapped his right hand to his forehead. There, at that moment, underneath a bright blue sky and a rippling American flag, a U.S. soldier addressed his Commander-in-Chief. President Obama returned the salute. Then he turned and headed for the practice green.
Forest Lockley held his salute, a single tear rolling down his cheek.