Dear Reader,
For some, the Memorial Day holiday in the United States is the unofficial start of summer; maybe a day to visit the pool or host a backyard cookout.  But for many, Memorial Day is a day to reflect on the individuals who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedom or inspired us with their bravery. Without a doubt, Oden McMillan was a perfect example of such an individual.

You see, McMillan was the bandleader on board the U.S.S. Nevada when the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor on the morning of December 7, 1941. McMillan was doing what he did every day at 8 a.m., leading the band in the morning colors. But as McMillan raised his baton to begin the Star Spangled Banner, he noticed an unusual number of planes diving toward the battleships moored in line at the opposite end of the harbor. Thinking it was just a drill, McMillan struck up the band.

Moments after the first notes sounded, explosions rang out at the far end of Battleship Row. Having already started the first stanza, McMillan kept conducting and every member of the 23-member band kept playing. As Japanese bombers skimmed across the harbor, McMillan watched in horror as one plane dropped a torpedo, then peeled off right above the Nevada. As the rear gunner whisked by, he sprayed bullets at the band and two neat rows of Marines standing at attention nearby. Thankfully, the gunner was a bad shot; he missed everyone on the ground, but shredded the American flag as he passed.

One would think that, having endured the first pass without injury, McMillan and everyone else on that deck would have immediately run for cover. But the band kept playing, even as a second strafer approached. This one, apparently a better shot than the first, caused McMillan to pause for a moment as the deck splintered around him. The pause was only momentary; a second later, the band immediately picked up the beat again, as if they had rehearsed it that way for years. In fact, no one stopped playing or broke formation until the final note had died away. Only then did they hastily gather their instruments and take shelter. Asked later about the incident, McMillan said he wasn't acting out of bravery or defiance. What kept him on task was his belief that the Star Spangled Banner, once started, is meant to be finished, regardless of distractions.

While we may not all be that fearlessly focused, our students do practice their own brands of McMillan-esque dedication every day in their work. As analytical experts, you are leaders in your organization, blocking out distractions and helping your colleagues make informed decisions. Undoubtedly you’re overcoming your own set of challenges and are constantly looking for ways to improve your skill set to keep your organization moving forward. That’s where we can help. Keep your SAS skills up-to-date with our best value bundles for SAS programming and Enterprise Guide. For those who may have started down the path to get SAS certified but lost steam somewhere along the way, we offer a "finish up" package designed to help you get back on track. And, if your training needs differ, extend your training dollars with our Take 3, Any 3 package, essentially getting three classes for the price of two. Whatever your need, SAS Education will stand strong, helping you each step of the way.

To dedicated individuals everywhere, I PROCSALUTE you.
And, thanks for reading,
 
Larry LaRusso
Editor, SAS Training Report