Saturday, March 18, 2023
Diane and Jason, Peggy and I send our deeply felt condolences on Jerry’s passing and so sorry we couldn’t be there to offer this in person. Our mutual Army Band careers paralleled but so glad we finally got to serve together at the School of Music just before Jerry and I both retired. The “Chief” was a legend - I had heard this over the years from the best of the best who had served with him. To a person, all spoke so highly of Chief Standridge; how well he ran a band, how he used everyone’s strengths to bring out the best music, but mostly how he cared for each person. Because of that I was especially honored to get to work closely with Jerry post-retirement for the Army School of Music DOTMLPF-I curriculum contract 2014-2017. And I saw ALL the same qualities in him - the expertise he brought to the project, the way he collaborated with the staff instructors and officers on lesson plan development, and his reasonable, compassionate (and always humorous) approach with us all. I know he really enjoyed that time as he said so often. We had many cherished conversations and times together both personally and as a team - and over the last few days, I’ve both laughed out loud and wept as I have thought of each of them. I am so thankful to have known Jerry as fellow saxophonist, Brother in arms, counselor, but especially as a dear friend! Praying for the peace and comfort of God to surround you all during this time of great loss. Love you! Keith Philbrick
