NJSGA Caddie Scholar Brendan Lang Takes Moving Trip to Normandy
SPRING LAKE, N.J. - On June 6, 2024, the world paused to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion. The landing of Allied troops on the beaches of Normandy, France marked the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe and preserved the freedoms of millions. The men who landed upon the shores of Normandy that day 80 years ago earned the designation, “the greatest generation” for their bravery, heroism, and sacrifice.
While many were enjoying a beautiful summer day, NJSGA Caddie Scholar, Brendan Lang, joined surviving members of the D-Day invasion at a week-long series of events, which honored the service, valor, and sacrifices of those who answered the call to defend freedom abroad over eight decades ago.
Lang, a fifth-year caddie at Spring Lake Golf Club, was selected to be one of 13 students from across the country to accompany 60 World War II veterans to Normandy as part of the Best Defense Foundation’s Battlefield Return program. The Best Defense Foundation ensures that any World War II veteran who wants closure or recognition has an opportunity to return to the battlefield and create a meaning experience of reflection and remembrance.
As a student at Wall Township High School, Lang joined the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps and rose to the rank of Cadet Master Chief. Through his participation in the NJROTC, Lang was able to attend a leadership academy at Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island during the summer after his junior year. Lang joined some 250 rising high school seniors from throughout the Northeast to hone his leadership and teambuilding skills.
Through the NJROTC, Lang met Wall Township Police Department patrolman Michael Malone, who also serves as the Director of Veterans Affairs for the Best Defense Foundation. While speaking to cadets, Malone made a passing reference to the Next Generation Program and the opportunity the Best Defense Foundation had to provide the cadets with a once-in-a-lifetime experience to serve those who served. After the meeting, Lang spoke with Malone to learn more about the Foundation and the unique program. Malone encouraged Lang to apply. The application process consisted of a series of videos. Lang filmed his videos on the beaches of Sandy Hook, which bear a stunning resemblance to Utah Beach, site of one of the landings during the D-Day invasion. After a lengthy application process, Lang was selected to be one of 13 students to go to Normandy as part of the Battlefield Return Program, a 12-day program during which he would have the opportunity walk in the footsteps of Allied Forces soldiers on Normandy Beach, the American Cemetery, St. Mere Eglise, Carentan, Omaha Beach and Utah Beach.
On the morning of June 1, Lang and Patrolman Malone accompanied two D-Day veterans from New Jersey, Private First Class Fred J. Nungesser Jr., a heavy weapons machine gunner who operated a .30 caliber water-cooled machine gun, and Private First Class John Wardell, a member of the Second Ranger Battalion. Both men were 98 years old, but their physical stature and mental acuity amazed Lang. Both men currently live in Point Pleasant, a town close to Lang’s hometown. After picking up Nungesser and Wardell, Lang, Malone, and their honored guests traveled to Newark Liberty International Airport under State Police escort. Arriving at the airport, Nungesser, Wardell, Lang, and Malone connected with other veterans heading to the commemoration ceremonies in Normandy and were greeted by an honor guard, which stretched from the doors of the terminal to their gate of departure. The four flew to Atlanta, where they would meet with other veterans and program volunteers. That night the veterans were treated to a first-class experience dinner in the Delta Airlines Museum, surrounded by World War II era aircraft. Later that night, Lang and fellow program participants flew to Paris and then traveled to Caen to meet the veterans upon their arrival the next day.
Lang would spend the next 10 days with the veterans, attending events to honor and thank them for their service and sacrifice in defense of freedom and democracy. The veterans experienced flyovers, an audience with Brigitte Macron, First Lady of France, and a motorcade to Omaha Beach in World War II jeeps. Lang served as an escort and concierge to the veterans, ensuring they were comfortable and safe and attended to their every need while at commemorative events. Lang attended numerous ceremonies and visited Omaha and Utah beaches.
“It was an absolutely spectacular and surreal experience that filled me with an immense sense of gratitude and pride,” Lang said of his experience.
He was truly “overwhelmed” by the gravity of the ceremonies and the opportunity to spend time with some of history’s greatest unsung heroes.
One day Lang was standing on the beach with veteran Tec 5 Robert P. ‘’Bob’’ Gibson. Gibson was utterly silent. He was staring in every direction with a 1,000-foot-wide panoramic stare. His stare was one of grateful appreciation for his fellow “brothers,” who paid the ultimate price. Just standing next to Gibson gave Lang the sense of what it must have been like on that day 80 years ago.
Whether stewarding veterans along the beaches of Normandy or guiding golfers down the fairways of Spring Lake Golf Club, serving others is part of who Lang, a criminology major at The College of New Jersey aspiring to a career in either federal or local law enforcement, is. During Lang’s freshman year of high school, his mother was speaking with Pam King, wife of Spring Lake Golf Club’s former head golf professional and former NJSGA Caddie Scholarship Foundation director, Bill King, who suggested that he consider caddying at Spring Lake Golf Club that summer. Although he didn’t know much about the game of golf but was willing to learn something new and try something he never experienced before, Lang contacted Spring Lake Golf Club’s Director of Golf Operations, Mike Knapp, to introduce himself and express his interest in becoming a caddie. Brendan recalls writing his introductory email and addressing it to “Mr. Knapp.” That would be the first, last, and only time he ever addressed Knapp, who prefers his caddies call him by his first name, in such a formal way, mused Lang.
After completing “Mr. Knapp’s” arduous and comprehensive Caddie Academy, Lang was admitted to the ranks of Spring Lake Golf Club’s caddies. He thoroughly enjoys being outdoors and caddying affords him opportunities to think critically and engage with a wide variety of people. “There is no better way to spend a summer than caddying at Spring Lake,” remarked Lang, who looks forward to returning to the club every season to be with his fellow caddies, club personnel, and the members.
Lang loves the environment at Spring Lake. He finds it truly rewarding because it allows him to push himself to be his very best. Caddying for Lang is a transformative journey from good to best. “You have to prove how good you are every time you go out on the course,” remarked Lang, who added, “you know you’re doing something right when your golfer plays well, improves his or her game, or wins a match or tournament.” Lang is keenly aware that hard work pays off and he enjoys surrounding himself with people who strive to become better, whether they are golfers, caddies, golf professionals, or staff members. It’s what pushes him to become better in all aspects of his life.
Knapp regards Lang as “one of the most valuable assets in the caddie yard at Spring Lake.” He is often the first caddie to arrive at the club each day and his work ethic is second to none. “It is evident that Brendan is enamored by the game of golf and caddying and being around our members has enabled him to become a responsible young man and has taught him social skills and responsibility,” said Knapp.
Caddying has taught Lang one very important and valuable life lesson – patience. Sitting around and either getting a loop late in the day or not getting out at all was not what Lang initially thought caddying would be like. He quickly realized that if he showed up every day and gave 100% of himself, his commitment and dedication would pay off tenfold.
Lang has made great friends with his fellow caddies and formed solid relationships with the members. His accomplishments in the classroom and on the golf course earned him the distinction of Caddie Scholar. Wearing a bib emblazoned with the logos of Spring Lake Golf Club and the Caddie Scholarship Foundation holds special meaning to Lang.
“It means that I must hold myself to a higher standard,” remarked Lang. “The Foundation assists me and my fellow caddies throughout the state achieve our goals of attaining a college education and helps us figure out who we are,” Lang stated. “I am honored to represent both Spring Lake Golf Club and the Caddie Scholarship Foundation,” said Lang, who noted that the scholarship he receives has alleviated the stress associated with the expenses of a college education. Were it not for the scholarship, Lang noted that he would have had to seek other options in order to realize his goal of a college education, but now, through caddying, he can fully pursue higher education and attend a four-year college. “Caddying has provided me with some amazing opportunities and broadened my horizons,” remarked Lang.
Lang offers the following advice to those with an interest in caddying and his fellow caddies struggling with the decision to continue caddying:
- Show up. Shut up. Keep up.
- Be persistent.
- Give 100% of yourself every day.
- Be patient and trust the process.
The Caddie Scholarship Foundation sincerely thanks and dutifully recognizes Brendan’s commitment to serve those who proudly served our nation and his dedicated and steadfast commitment to the game of golf by preserving one of the game’s most long-standing traditions – the caddie.
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