Sheppard honors one who 'connected us all' at memorial service

  • Published
  • By John Ingle
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Tandy Weaver's favorite hymn was the "Hymn of Promise." The words are quite simple, but extremely powerful and moving - much like Mrs. Weaver's life.

The first few lines of the hymn read: "In the bulb there is a flower; In the seed an apple tree; in cocoons a hidden promise." Mrs. Weaver saw the hidden promises that most couldn't see, staying focused on the end result while leading the way for others to follow. 

She died unexpectedly at 54 Jan. 12 at her home. She's survived by her husband, David, her daughter and son-in-law, Cora and Dave Abbott, and a son, Kenneth. Team Sheppard honored Mrs. Weaver Jan. 18 during a memorial service at the North Chapel.

Lt. Col. Porter Smith, the interim deputy commander of the 82nd Mission Support Group, said the hymn is of a "hidden promise that's there, but only God could see. Tandy saw it, too."

Mrs. Weaver, acting commander of the 82nd Contracting Squadron and director of business operations, was what some would call a soft-spoken giant. Her calming effect on volatile meetings would soon bring rationale back to the table to complete the task at hand. She would get her way, not from bullying or arm twisting, but from her lady-like composure and vision.

Mark Snyder, the infrastructure acquisition flight commander at 82nd CONS, likened Mrs. Weaver's life to that of Greek mythologies Ariadne. He explained that in the story of the Minotaur, Ariadne aided a young hero, Theseus, by providing a ball of golden thread that would allow him to escape a maze and complete his mission.

During Mrs. Weaver's 32 years of civil service, he said she provided golden threads to those she worked with not to make herself successful, but to see others succeed.

"Tandy guided Team Sheppard to where no other (contracting office) has been," Mr. Snyder said, referring to the office's Defense Department and Air Force-level awards.

A slide show played during the memorial service, each slide beginning with the words, "Tandy loved..." According to those at the service, one word - love - defined Mrs. Weaver's life as a wife, mother and co-worker.

"I know that Tandy was a deeply loving person and she was deeply loved by us," said Chap. (Capt.) Michael Garren. "She didn't take life for granted. Life was a gift (and she was) willing to give."

Her giving nature was seen in most of the pictures that cycled through to the music of "Wind Beneath My Wings," showing that she volunteered, she led, she gave, she trained and she loved.

The words on the slide portrayed what Tandy Weaver was about; not in any particular order. Family. The Lord. Her country. Sheppard. The 82nd CONS.

Colonel Smith said there aren't enough words to describe Mrs. Weaver's importance to her family and Team Sheppard.

"Tandy connected all of us," he said. "She connected us very well through her life and diverse experiences."

He said comments from past and present leaders were consistent throughout her career: a consistent leader, undisputed leader, lifeblood of the office and actively involved.

Her life, from the words of those at the memorial, portrayed a life of service, excellence and intregrity.

The service ended with the singing of her favorite patriotic tune, "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Three words reverberated with the vibrancy and liveliness that were synonymous with Tandy Weaver - "Glory glory Hallelujah."