Wednesday, September 3, 2003
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Wednesday, September 3, 2003 |
Peachtree City student/soldier presents flags to CCSU staffClayton State student Bryan Lee loves his country and his new University. Lee, who spent six months as an Army Specialist E4 in Afghanistan, recently presented two American flags that flew over Kandahar Airfield to staff members in Clayton State's Office of Admissions. Lee presented the flags one to the entire Office of Admissions and one specially to LaTonya Bonner of Financial Aid to show his appreciation for their assistance in processing his enrollment and financial aid while he was overseas. "Since we couldn't communicate by phone, our only contact with the world outside was through e-mail," said Lee. "The Admissions staff was amazingly helpful and responsive to my e-mails. They made sure all my paperwork was processed so I could attend classes this fall." So how did Lee obtain these unique flag souvenirs? As one of 20 men and women in Major Justen's 948 Forward Surgical Team, Lee was responsible for everything from the operating room to flag detail. Having purchased a few flags from the Post Exchange store on base, Lee would lower the usual American flag and raise the flags he intended to present to his family and the Clayton State staff. Each flag would fly for a day over Kandahar Airfield. "This is the best gift I've ever been given by a student," said Jeff Hammer, director of Admissions at Clayton State. "It meant more to me than your typical gift, because Bryan was willing to go that far to show his appreciation." "I was very touched and wondered what I had done that was so special," said Bonner. "I was just doing my job." Bonner played a role in securing Lee's financial aid, helping him apply for his Montgomery GI Bill Benefits federal veteran benefits via e-mail. Lee, a resident of Peachtree City and 1999 graduate of McIntosh High School, chose Clayton State because of the "flexibility to pursue education." With a choice of day and night classes, Lee can keep his job as a civilian licensed EMT ICU nurse at Gwinnett Medical Center, and still earn the prerequisite credits he needs to pursue his career goal of Physician's Assistant in the Army. Lee earned a Medal of Commendation from the Army for excellence during his tour in Afghanistan. On reserve until he completes his needed courses at Clayton State, he plans to make a career out of military service. "I really enjoy the Army. It's the best job in the world," said Lee. The flag presented to the Office of Admission's staff will be displayed, with its corresponding certificate signed by the 948 Forward Surgical Team, in the Clayton State Admissions Office. Bonner's flag will be framed and placed on the wall in her office.
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