By SHERRY DIGMON
News Publisher
The Atmore First Assembly of God’s annual patriotic program never disappoints. Patriotism flourishes here.
Sunday, July 2, the 34th Annual “Celebration of Freedom” was presented.
As always, veterans are honored during the program. Sunday, six veterans were honored. Bro. Don Davis noted their achievements and presented each with a plaque of appreciation. Note: Captain James Campbell accepted for his late wife, Lynne C. Campbell, and his brother Victor Campbell who was unable to attend.
Veteran honored were as follows:
Captain James E. Campbell, United States Navy, 1968-2000; Naval Hospital, Beauford, South Carolina; Naval Hospital, Pensacola. He served as a hospital corpsman and operating room technician and in administration.
Captain Campbell’s medals, badges, citations include
* National Defense Service Medal (3)
* Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device and Hourglass Device
* Good Conduct Medal
* Navy Achievement Medal
* Pistol Marksman Ribbon
* Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (2)
* Navy Fleet Marine Force Ribbon
E-4 Lynne C. Campbell (dec.), United States Navy, 1970-1973, Corry Station, Pensacola. She served as a dental technician.
E-4 Campbell’s medals, badges, citations include
* National Defense Service Medal
* Good Conduct Medal
* D.T. Class A
LTJG Victor S. Campbell, United States Navy, 1971-1974; Republic of Vietnam, U.S.S. O’Callagham, N.A.S. Pensacola.
LTJG Campbell’s medals, badges, citations include
* National Defense Medal
* Vietnam Service Medal
* Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon
* Marksman Badge
* Good Conduct Medal
SGT E-5 Cody E. Norton, U.S. Marine Corps, 2009-2017; Cherry Point, N.C.; Miramar, 3rd Aircraft Wing, San Diego, Cali.
SGT Norton’s medals, badges, citations include
* Aviation Ordnance System Tech.
* Good Conduct Medal (2)
* National Defense Service Medal
* Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
* Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2)
* Expert Rifle Qualification (4)
* Expert Pistol Qualification Badge
* Letter of Appreciation
SPC E-4 Taylor Shaw Norton, U.S. Army, 2010-2015, served in Korea; 236th MP Co., San Antonio, Texas.
SPC Norton’s medals, badges, citations include
* Good Conduct Medal
* National Defense Medal
* Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
* Korea Defense Medal
* Army Service Ribbon
* Overseas Service Ribbon
* Driver and Mechanic Badge
* Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Badge
Staff Sergeant E-6 Joseph H. Protsman, United States Marine Corps, 1970-1976; United States Army, 1976-1987; served in Republic of Vietnam; McAlester, Okla.; COB, 4-63rd, Armor, Fort Riley, Kan.; HHC 367th Armor 2nd Armor Div., Fort Hood, Texas. He served in Germany twice.
Staff Sergeant Portman’s medals, badges, citations include the following:
U.S. Marine Corps
* National Defense Medal
* Vietnam Service Medal with 2 Stars
* Rifle Marksman Badge
* Good Conduct Medal
U.S. Army
* Army Achievement Medal
* National Defense Service Medal
* Vietnam Service Medal
* Army Commendation Medal
* Army Service Ribbon / Overseas Service Ribbon (3)
* Non-Commissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon (2)
* Meritorious Unit Commendation
* Good Conduct Medal
* Expert Qualification Badge (M16)
From the program, “Patrick Henry, a great advocate for America’s freedom from Britain, made a declaration that spoke for every American citizen, every soldier on the battlefield, every business owner, every personal proprietor and every church attendee when he stated, in nis speech to the Virginia convention, “give me liberty or give me death.”
“These words have been the defining thread for America … through every battle, every war, every peace talk, every treaty since it was spoken.
“America has stood with honor for her liberty, stood during fearful and uncertain times … stood during defeats and retreats … stood during great moments of victory …
America always stands.”
Presenting the program were Josh Harris, Melinda Kriss, Carley Dempsey, Roy White, Roxanne Jordan, Daniel Campbell, Earl Bodifod, First Assembly of God Royal Rangers, Sean Taylor, Shanna Starns, Kelvin Diller, Josh Barnes, Susan Kirkland, Lisa Gray, Landon Kirkland, Lauren Campbell, Jason Hiebert, Hunter Spence, Rhonda Matthews, Denise Middleton, Zach Kersey, Delores Peavy, and Sara Davis.