COLUMBUS — The John Everett Chapter (DAR) Daughters of the American Revolution and the Robert Rankin Chapter (SAR) Sons of the American Revolution recognized Richard and Gail Heffley for their outstanding dis- play of the American Flag for the month of July. For many years, Gail dreamed of having a flag - pole in their yard to replace the flag displayed on the front of their home. When Richard installed one, the couple made it a tradition to proudly display the Amer - ican Flag as a symbol of their love for God, country, and the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans. This year holds spe - cial significance as our na tion celebrates the 250th
anniversary of American independence. To com memorate this historic milestone, the Heffleys raised a beautiful new flag
featuring the American ea- gle, proudly honoring this once-in-a-generation cele- bration. Richard Heffley has a long history of public ser - vice. He served in the Unit -
ed States military, including service at Fort Lewis in Ta -
coma, Wash. Following his military career, he contin - ued serving his community for 25 years as a Columbus City Council member and later as mayor of Columbus. Gail Heffley dedicat ed her career to caring for others as a registered nurse at Columbus Community Hospital, where she faith - fully served countless pa -
tients and families through- out the community.
Military service has been a proud tradition in Richard's family. Gail's fa - ther, Bill Krenek, served as a medical assistant during World War II, and she had an uncle who made the ul- timate sacrifice in France while serving during World War I. Richard's ancestor was a Pfeiffer in the Revo-
lutionary War under George Washington. Richard also
had six uncles and an aunt who served in World War II. Their son, Richard F. Heffley, has recently retired with 36 years of military service. During his military time, Richard F. Heffley served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. (He was in Balad, Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan and Djibouti.) When Rich - ard coached Little League, he always told his team to remember their priorities. God, Family and Country. Their family's legacy of service reflects a deep com -
mitment to both country and community.
The DAR and SAR are honored to recognize the Heffleys for their patriotism and for proudly displaying the American Flag, espe - cially during the celebration of America’s 250th Anni- versary.
On hand at the flag recognition presentation were, from left, Wanda Anglin, Judy and Dave Zachmeyer, Nelma Strey, Richard and Gail Heffley, Glen Strey, and Stephanie and Rick Mattix.
