Kelley Honored For
Support Of Soldier's Family

Arab mechanic Kelvin  Kelley displays flag that was flown in Afghanistan in his honor.                                                                               Arab Today Photo by Dwight Hayes

Lt. Col. Lee Whalen (center) presents shadow box with flag and plaque in appreciation for Kelley's help of Whalen family as Arab Mayor Gary Beam looks on.                                                         Arab Today Photo by Dwight Hayes

January 2, 2009
Wars aren't just won on the battle field.  The support of soldiers from families and friends often makes the difference in how the soldiers do their jobs while deployed.  Lt. Col Lee Whalen says the support of neighbor and friend Kelvin Kelley has made his job easier during multiple deployments in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Whalen returned from his most recent deployment to Afghanistan in December.  While in Afghanistan he had an American flag flown over the Bagram Airfield base in honor of Kelly.  Whalen present the flag and a plaque thanking Kelley for his help during a ceremony earlier this week in the office of Mayor Gary Beam.

Whalen said that Kelley, a mechanic at A & D Motors of Arab, kept his family vehicles operating each time he was deployed.  Whalen said knowing Kelley was there to help his family helped to ease his mind about their needs while he was away.

Whalen said he wanted to do something special for Kelley during his most recent deployment so he arranged to have the flag flown and then encased in a shadow box along with a plaque thanking Kelley.  The plaque states:  "So that all shall know, this flag was flown at the Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.  Illuminated in the dark by the light of justice, and bears witness to sacrifice and courage of these men and women fighting terrorist forces threatening the freedom of the United States of America and the World.  It was flown for 9 hours and 11 minutes.  In Honor of Kelvin Kelley.  Thanks for all of your support for my family during my deployment. Presented by Lt. Col Lee Whalen, U. S. Army."  The flag was flown December 7, 2007.

Whalen said that Kelley has worked on his vehicles for years and he knew that he could trust him while he was gone.  Kelley said it was the least that he could do for someone who is defending our country.

Arab Mayor Gary Beam echoed Whalen's thanks.  "As someone who has also served in the military I know the importance of the support of those at home and I want to add my thanks for what you have done to support Lt. Col. Whalen and our country."