Church dedicates flag flown over Afghanistan
CRAIG COUNTY – The congregation of the Forks of John’s Creek Christian Church dedicated a new flagpole and an American flag that was flown in Afghanistan.
They were dedicated during a special service led by Minister Bill Frazier on July 11, the second in a series on God and Country that began with an Independence Day service on July 4.
The congregation of Forks of Johns Creek Christian Church show off their new flagpole during dedication ceremonies for the pole and flag on July 11.
Congregation members have sent numerous care packages to Tim A. Wells and his unit. Wells flew the flag while serving in Bagram, Afghanistan, with the Combined Joint Task Force Paladin in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The flagpole replaces one toppled by high winds earlier this year that was erected and donated by Dennis White. The replacement flagpole was dedicated in honor of Donald Caldwell and in memory of Betty Caldwell, James and Pansy King.
They each appreciated the patriotic and spiritual meaning of celebrating God as a guiding force in shaping the United States, the minister said.
Donald Caldwell and J. Wayne King, son of James and Pansy King, raised the flag, assisted by M.L. “Pug” and Mary Lee Wells, the parents of Tim Wells and his sister, Dale King, who is a member of the congregation.
Donald Caldwell and J. Wayne King prepare to raise the flag flown over Afghanistan by Tim Wells, whose parents, M.L. "Pug" and Mary Lee Wells of Lafayette, are at right.
Their parents presented the flag and a certificate that explains “The accompanying American Flag was flown by Tim A. Wells in support of Operation Enduring Freedom during combat actions, as we engaged the enemies of America through our mission to defeat Improvised Explosive Devices and save lives in Afghanistan. This flag represents our commitment to defend and establish freedom around the world.”
Mr. and Mrs. Wells are frequent guests at the church. Pug Wells is chief of the Elliston Volunteer Fire Department and Mrs. Wells is president of the Ladies Auxiliary for the Elliston Fire Department.
