To honor the men and women of the U.S. Military, Central Church of God presented “Celebrating Our Gift of Freedom,” an event to recognize the members of the church and their families who served and currently serve. 
U.S. Army recruiter, Sgt. Carlos Colon and Navy recruiter, Petty Officer Warderkous G. Banks spoke about their service in their military and took question from the Portage church’s congregation.
Colon said an event like this mean a lot because it shows people do care about the troops and was amazed about how many people in the church served in the select services or have family who served.
“The event brought a couple of tears to my eyes,” said Banks.
Pastor Jerry Martin individually recognized soldiers as they or members of their family received either a yellow, red or white flower. Yellow flowers were for soldiers in active duty, red were for former soldiers who served in previous wars and white were for soldiers who died while serving the country.
Barb Cavalier, whose son, Sgt. Jeremy Dick served in the Iraq and Afghanistan war, said the event made her feel very heartfelt, emotional and proud.
Cavalier said the most important thing the church is doing is praying for the soldiers. Cavalier is thankful for her son’s safety and well being after his Hummer drove over an improvised explosive device. Cavalier was horrified but thankful he survived and the event gave her a new perspective on the freedom she has.
Martin said the event is a highlight in his 28 years of preaching.
Members of the Portage High School ROTC presented the U.S. flag in one of the opening ceremonies of the event.
Photo: U.S. Navy recruiter, Officer Warderkous Banks and U.S. Army recruiter, Sgt. Carlos Colon look at a present given to the them by Central Church of God during “Celebrating Our Gift of Freedom.” The recruiters spoke about their service in their military and took question from the church congregation.