Local soldier honored as 'American Soldier'

This past Sunday at the Georgia Military Institute in Macon Georgia, Col Scott Carter, 122nd RTI/GMI Commander, awarded SSG Gordon Spears of Blairsville a mounted flag. The inscription reads "American Soldier." Also included was a large coin that quotes the President of the United States as saying, "We will not waver, we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail'. "Peace and freedom will prevail."

Spears also recieved a certificate with the inscription, "American solider, defender of freedom." SSG Spears works as a GMI Infantry and Military Police Instructor. He served 15 months on active duty with the 48th Brigade of Georgia in Iraq as a Bradley Commander (235 combat missions) and worked as a headquarters platoon sergeant.

SSG Spears has served 26 years and 3 combat tours. He is married to Shari Spears of Blairsville and works at United Community Bank. Col Carter stated he was very thankful for our services in Iraq. He served with SSG Spears in Iraq and with the 48th Brigade.