Mayor Neil Blankenship gives one of several awards to Col. Godfrey
Louis Milam leads America's Pledge
Tiffini Johnson plays the National Anthem
It was "Patriotic Sunday" at Victory Baptist Church. The words and music dedicated
to soldiers who have served America, past and present. "Today we are honoring one
such hero, Col. Larry Godfey," a Calhoun native, said Pastor Mike Worf. "Heroes are
not only those who have suffered tragedy for the cause, but those who have lived
victoriously."
A number of veterans and soldiers were present for the service.
Godfrey was honored with a special presentation from Grantsville Mayor Neil
Blankenship, and tributes from Delegate Bill Stemple, Col. Richard Jarvis, Pastor
Mike Worf and parishioner Shari Johnson.
Members of Calhoun Sheriff's Department
Calhoun soldiers attend service
Walter Truss stirs the congregation with his wonderful voice
"I am here for all the people who did not return," said Godfrey. He spoke about
"words as old as freedom itself" - duty, honor and country. Godfrey said he was
somewhat frightened by the Russian bear, but "Never before have we faced such
evil as we do today...The Russians were proud and respectful soldiers."
"We risk losing the America we love...and we must bring back the values that have
made our country strong," he said. He spoke about his heroes in the 1950's, but "I
owe most to my wonderful parents."
Godfrey is in United States Army Medical Corps, Airborne - Special Forces. He is the
son of Donald and Evelyn Godfrey of Grantsville and a graduate of Calhoun County
High School. He has served in the Army for 32 years, including Vietnam, Desert
Storm, Haiti, Somalia, and most recently Kuwait. Col. Godfrey is now stationed in
Carlisle, Pennsylvania where he teaches at the War College.
Patriotic songs and performances rang across the congregation by the Victory
church choir and Director Betty Milam, Sheriff Allen Parsons, Walter Truss, Ed Eisley,
and Tiffani Johnson.
The sermon was delivered by Calhoun native Dr. John Powell.
Dr. John Powell delivers the Sunday sermon
Ed Eisley sings patriotic selection
Delegate Bill Stemple honors Col. Godfey
A "moving" service was heard by large congregation
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