Core Values
A Soldier's Story
by
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One Thursday afternoon I left work and went into Curphey barracks, Up Park Camp where I collected the pay for the soldiers in Port Maria along with a sidearm. I then went across to the Air Wing for my flight to Boscobel airstrip, which was the closest one to Port Maria, unfortunately we ran into some delays. The Prime Minister was also scheduled to travel on the same flight but he was delayed in Parliament, which necessitated us waiting for him. We did not leave Up Park Camp until almost 1900hrs. and instead of heading to Boscobel, the flight went directly to Montego Bay to drop off the Prime Minister. By the time we got to Boscobel it was about 2100 hrs. The airstrip was completely abandoned as operations had ceased there for the day. Thinking that my vehicle was in place the aircraft had departed as soon as I disembarked, leaving me in the dark with an attaché case full of money and a Browning 9mm pistol. After looking around for a while and contemplating what my next move should be, I heard the rattle of what sounded like a very aged vehicle approaching from the road. I watched as a small pick up truck drove unto the compound and stopped. The driver got out and was heading for the airside of the building when I accosted him. He said he had heard the aircraft come in and had come to check on what was happening. In those days that airstrip had the reputation of being used quite regularly in the trafficking of illegal drug so I had no doubt in my mind why he was there. My immediate problem, however, was getting to my destination so I communicated my needs to him and soon we were on our way. As we drove into the town of Pt. Maria I spotted the military Land Rover at which point I got out of the pick up and completed my trip to the base in the Land Rover. Because of all the miscues, I did not leave Port. Maria until well after mid night. The next morning I reported to Up Park Camp as if nothing had happened and after handing over the paperwork and unpaid cash I left for my civilian job. As the saying goes, all in a day’s work.
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About the Book
The home my family occupied after we moved to Kingston was situated along the route taken by dignitaries on their way to Jamaica House, the Prime Minister’s official residence. As a result of this fortuitous bit of luck, we never had to join the throng at the airport eagerly awaiting Queen Elizabeth, Emperor Haile Selassie or other important visitors to our island; we merely had to wait by our gate for the motorcade and wave furiously as they drove by, escorted by the police and a line of other official cars.
I was a teenager then and although the excitement was undeniable, other issues held my attention. Jamaica was changing, an independent country gradually shedding the mantle of colonialism and on the cusp of forging a new identity. The Black Green and Gold was everywhere along with a sense of pride and all the possibilities the future held and I needed to find my place in this new country. Little did I know then how much my life would change, that in time I would be a part of that inner circle greeting official guests to Jamaica and meeting with the Prime Minister at his residence.
This then is my story, written not only as an observer but an active participant in events of the still unfolding tale that is Jamaica. To my humble parents who without treasure gave the best they had to give, a love that has solidified the bond between their children; to my wife and sons and finally to the men and women of the Jamaica Defense Force with whom I served proudly for more than half of my life. And to the active soldiers and reservists who continue to serve in this their finest calling, to defend the honor of their country.
About the Author
Maj. Stanley Paul Ford (Ret) has been a soldier ever since his first chance introduction to the Cadet Forces in his native Jamaica. Core Values speaks to his love of country and the military which intersected seamlessly at a time when Jamaica was transitioning from colonial rule to establishing its own identity as a independent country.
The end result has been a life that has been lived richly and is now shared with the people of Jamaica during the 50th year of that independence. Major Ford has seen change from the inside and tells his story with passion, humor and a fervent wish for a younger generation to understand from whence we came in the hope they will rise to meet the challenge of the future.
Major Ford divides his time between Jamaica where he works as a security consultant, and Atlanta where he resides with his wife Donna and sons Gavin and Andrew.