Dear Editor,
First of all, thank you for publishing the article, “Quarantine strands resident in Peru,” in the April 1, 2020 edition.
Luckily, I was able to return to the United States on a U.S. Embassy Government evacuation flight to Washington Dulles on April 9, 2020. After experiencing a few weeks of living under martial law in Lima, returning to the United States was emotional.
Tears filled my eyes as I boarded a bus to be transported to the military base for take off.
I was reminded of how grateful I am to be an American and how often we take our freedom for granted when I felt the emotions of pride and trust swell up as I glanced at the huge letters EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
While I was in Peru, many friends and supporters reached out to me to see if they could help. One person that had helpful government connections in the United States and Peru was Jose Aliaga, an Independence Township Trustee.
During the past few years, Jose and I met at church and during his campaign for township trustee. When a mutual friend contacted Jose and told him of my circumstance in Lima, he went above and beyond to help me get on a return flight home.
He contacted Michigan Congress people, government employees in Washington, and people within the Peruvian government.
Jose’s passion to help people is evident, and I believe he’s an asset to our township board as a trustee.
I am proud to vote for him again in the upcoming township election and I hope other citizens will also.
Thanks also to all Clarkstonites who supported me in their thoughts and prayers. I am proud to call Clarkston my “home.”

Sincerely,
Michelle Phaup
Independence Township