The Edmond Sun

Local News

Related Photos

Discussion

July 21, 2008

Church plans reception for Iraq war hero

Mark Schlachtenhaufen

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.

Text Only
Local News
  • $6.8B budget crosses final hurdle

    House members found enough votes late Thursday afternoon to approve the state’s $6.8 billion budget for next year by a vote of 52-42. This came after an earlier vote failed by four votes in the House Thursday morning.

    May 25, 2012

  • Santa Fe principal resigns

    Edmond Santa Fe High School principal Earl Kirkpatrick resigned Thursday to explore possibilities in the field of ministry. His last day is June 30.

    May 25, 2012

  • devin derrick 2012.jpg Hollywood dreams do come true: Edmondite develops film, music career

    It’s all about being in the right place at the right time.
    At least that is what Edmond resident and 1990 Edmond High School graduate Devin Derrick will tell you about his rise to fame in the music and movie businesses.

    May 25, 2012 1 Photo

  • ASK A LAWYER: Trusts provide options for difficult heirs

    Q: We have a grown daughter who has a gambling problem. We want to provide for her in our will, but also want to protect her share from being wasted after we die. How can we do this?
    A: Your situation is not unusual. Most of us know at least one person who has difficulty handling money for one reason or another.

    May 25, 2012

  • 5-26 Pets

    This is a list of animals that have been found and are at the Edmond Animal Shelter, at Interstate 35 and Covell in the Cross Timbers Municipal Complex. Call the shelter at 216-7615 for more information.

    May 25, 2012

  • 5-26 Police and Fire

    Information in this column is gathered from city fire incident logs and police incident reports.

    May 25, 2012

  • Make-A-Wish Oklahoma hosts Lexus raffle

    Make-A-Wish Oklahoma will once again partner with Lexus of Tulsa and Eskridge Lexus of Oklahoma City to raffle off a new Lexus, raising funds to support the organization’s efforts to grant the heartfelt wishes of children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions in Oklahoma.

    May 25, 2012

  • Edmond youth are encouraged to make a difference

    The Edmond Youth Council programs are opportunities for students 15-18 years of age to learn about municipal government and potentially impact future city policies.

    May 25, 2012

  • Hiebert graduates from Field Artillery training

    Army Pfc. Cody A. Hiebert has graduated from the Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator Advanced Individual Training course at Fort Sill, Lawton.

    May 25, 2012

  • arcadia lake 3.jpg Police: Comply with lake rules during holiday period

    Summer vacation, hot days and a holiday weekend spell heavier traffic on Arcadia Lake, and police want to remind guests about rules and what happens if you break them.
    May 23 was the last day of school for Edmond Public Schools and the long Memorial Day holiday period has come.

    May 25, 2012 6 Photos