Dad serving in Iraq sends banners to Gwin Oaks Elementary

By Staff (90000)

Friday, March 23, 2007
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE - A flag that once flew over Camp Cedar II in Iraq in honor of Gwin Oaks Elementary School now flies over the Lawrenceville elementary school.

Kindergartner Cierra Williams and third-grader Austin Williams on Thursday presented the flag to the school's principal, as their teachers and classmates looked on. After the flag was hoisted up the flagpole, the children led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

"It's an honor to have our military to be thinking of us at home while they're making such a sacrifice," Principal Peggy Goodman said.

The flag was sent from Iraq by Cierra and Austin's father, Spc. David Scott Williams, who is serving in Iraq with the Georgia Army National Guard. The 42-year-old former Marine re-enlisted in the military after the United States went to war with Iraq, said his mother, Vickie Williams.

"We're a very patriotic family," Vickie Williams said. "The children love their daddy dearly."

Vickie Williams is taking care of her grandchildren while her son is deployed. David Williams began training in January, 2006, and he was sent to Iraq in April.

Since then, he has missed Cierra's first day of kindergarten, both of the children's birthdays and Christmas, but he keeps in touch with weekly phone calls and e-mails, Vickie Williams said.

"Some days we cry a lot," she said. "Some days we pray a lot. We're very thankful for what we do have."

Gwinnett Daily Post