Published: July 22, 2008 09:44 pm         

Faith, family, freedom: Theme plays out dramatically for Iraq war hero

EDMOND — In an election year, politicians often use the theme “faith, family and freedom” in their campaigns. That theme was lived out in dramatic fashion Tuesday evening at an Edmond church.

Faith — It had been two years since Judith Hall had seen her son, who has been busy serving his country in Iraq. About a year ago, Judith was diagnosed with an advanced case of cervical cancer, and she was told there was little doctors could do for her.

“I cope with it with the hand of God holding me through,” Judith said, adding that the hope she has in Jesus Christ also provides comfort.

Mark Hollingsworth, senior pastor at First Church of the Nazarene, said Judith has been quite a soldier herself in battling cancer.

“She deserves a Purple Heart as well,” Hollingsworth said. “She has faced incredible odds, but has kept on fighting. She has been quite an inspiration to us all. It has been her prayer that she would be able to see Jerry come home safely and God has answered her prayer.”

Freedom — Knowing that her cancer was terminal, Judith wanted to see her son, who recently returned from Iraq.

In the spring of 2003, 1st Sgt. Jerry Hall, a member of an elite U.S. Special Forces unit, was one of the first eight individuals to enter Iraq.

He was a part of the berm-clearing team that facilitated the entry of coalition forces into the western desert of Iraq. After the berm was breached, Hall was in enemy territory, directing coalition vehicles through the opening.

During his five deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he was involved in combat operations in and around the cities of Rutbah, Ramadi, Fallujah, Mosul, and most recently, Najaf.

He also deployed twice to Jordan in support of the global war on terrorism. In all, he has been awarded five Bronze Stars, an Army Commendation Medal and a Purple Heart.

Family — Judith and Jerry were reunited Tuesday night during a special homecoming reception at First Church of the Nazarene. It was also the first time that Jerry and his three sisters had all been together since 1999.

During the reception, Jerry presented Judith with a special quilt, made by his wife, Tondi, who was caring for their three children at Ft. Campbell, Ky. Jerry said knowing that his wife is skillfully managing matters back home helps him do his job overseas.

Jerry said he is grateful for the various forms of support from folks around the country and from prayers from Judith’s church family, which has been a source of comfort for Judith during her illness.

Hollingsworth presented Jerry with gifts of appreciation from the Edmond Police Department, and read a note of thanks on behalf of the department from Chief Bob Ricks to Jerry.

Since Jerry arrived in town on Monday, the family has spent time getting reacquainted with themselves and with Edmond. Jerry was taken on a tour of the city and saw firsthand all the growth that has taken place in recent years.

Born in Edmond in 1968, Jerry graduated with a bachelor of science degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1993.

He graduated from Edmond (Memorial) High School in 1986, when Edmond had just one high school. In high school, Jerry participated in the Air Force Junior ROTC program, obtaining the rank of cadet major.

Jerry said his superiors had a tremendous impact on the decision for his military career with their guidance and mentorship. He said there have been many times when he has had close calls during active duty, evidence that God has been with him.

     

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