Letter: Kudos to the “Band of Blue”

Our city just went through the second major flood in the last eight years and our city was much more prepared this time around thanks to the many volunteers who came forward to help in the sandbagging and protection efforts.

Students, teachers, sports teams, civic groups and countless individuals all came to our cities aid. One group, the Jefferson High School Marching Band, 170 strong, made an out-of-the-ordinary commitment. The Band of Blue was scheduled to take part in a marching band competition on the Saturday before the Cedar River was projected to crest. This outstanding group of kids made the decision to withdraw from the competition and spend the day filling sandbags.

I am very proud to say that I was one of several drivers to take this special group to an early season competition in Mount Pleasant several weeks ago. The Band of Blue is truly a special group. Kudos to the Band of Blue and their directors Thad Driskell and Chad Allard and also a special thank you to the competition organizers for awarding the Band of Blue an honorary first place even though they did not compete. Band of Blue, you are the best in my book!

Jerry Mackey

CRCSD Bus Driver

Cedar Rapids