Published: July 21, 2008 09:24 pm      

Church plans reception for Iraq war hero

EDMOND — A highly decorated U.S. Army soldier with five deployments to Iraq under his belt is returning to Edmond for a special reception.

First Sgt. Jerry Hall will be the featured guest at a homecoming reception from 6-8 p.m. tonight in the Fireside Room at the Edmond First Church of the Nazarene,, 3001 S. Boulevard.

Mark Hollingsworth, First Nazarene’s senior pastor, said Jerry Hall’s family has been an integral part of the church family for several decades. Hollingsworth said the church has been praying for his safe return, and for the protection of all soldiers.

“We are so grateful to God that Jerry is safely home,” Hollingsworth said.

Hall, who has been awarded five Bronze Stars, an Army Commendation Medal and a Purple Heart, is the son of Judith Hall, a longtime Edmond resident who wanted to have the reception for her son. The Bronze Star may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit or meritorious service.

A member of a Special Forces unit, Hall just returned from his fifth deployment to Iraq. He is stationed in Ft. Campbell, Ky. Hall graduated from Edmond Memorial High School in 1986 and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Mary Lou Bond, a family friend, encouraged friends to stop by and meet Hall, who has in recent years been kept busy by his military duties.

“I feel very humbled, very honored and very appreciative of what this young man has accomplished for our country,” said Bond, who knew the soldier when he was an infant.



WANT TO KNOW more about this hometown hero? See The Sun’s coverage of the reception in Wednesday’s edition.