Vietnam vet talks to youth about patriotism

Col. Ben Fuller, retired Air Force fighter pilot who served in the Vietnam War
Col. Ben Fuller, retired Air Force fighter pilot who served in the Vietnam War
Col. Ben Fuller, retired Air Force fighter pilot who served in the Vietnam War

After previously teaming up to put permanent flags on local veterans’ graves, members of the Bainbridge Home Depot and City of Bainbridge management and staff again gathered together at the Friendship House of Jesus.

Retired Air Force Colonel Ben Fuller, dressed in uniform, took a few minutes out of his day to speak to the select group of boys about patriotism. Fuller thanked the young men for their willingness to assist with the placing of flags on the graves of the veterans, and encouraged them to set goals and stay in school.

“Education is extremely important for a career in the military or any career path you may ultimately choose,” said Colonel Fuller, who served in the Vietnam War as a fighter pilot as part of an Air Force group affectionately nicknamed the “Wild Weasels.”

The Oak City Cemetery, one of several local cemeteries where permanent American flag holders have been placed next to local veterans' graves.
The Oak City Cemetery, one of several local cemeteries where permanent American flag holders have been placed next to local veterans’ graves.

Following Mr. Fuller’s presentation, Friendship House Director, Josh Paske and the group traveled to Oak City Cemetery and began walking from grave to grave, stopping along the way to replace a worn flag or add a flag to a Veteran’s grave that didn’t have one. At the end of the afternoon it was emotional to look over the cemetery and see so many flags marking our Veteran’s graves!

We are off to a great start…thank you again to Kevin Dowdy and all of the people who donated money to purchase these flags!

Additional photos may be found on the City of Bainbridge’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Historic-Bainbridge-Georgia/366379773529799

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