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NACC Receives American Flag Flown over
Iraq
The president and staff of Northeast
Alabama Community College were recently presented with a special
and unexpected gift from Teela Pongpakdee, son of Perapon
Pongpakdee, Assistant Director of MIS and Instructor of Computer
Science at the college. Teela Pongpakdee is currently an AT3
(AW)/Aviation Electronics Technician Third Class with the US
Navy. During his latest deployment to Mosul, Iraq, Pongpakdee
flew the US Flag onboard mission aircraft on November 11, 2009
in honor of Northeast Alabama Community College in recognition
for all that the college has done for his family and for service
to others.
Pongpakdee’s assignment was for Detainee Operations and directly
impacted insurgent activities. His unit was the US Navy
Individual Augmentee URF 11025 (Augmented Army Unit) deployed
from March to December of 2009. When he returned to the states,
the flag which flew in Iraq was presented to the college
president, Dr. David Campbell. Pongpakdee also presented a
Certificate of Authenticity plaque along with the flag. The
certificate noted that his assignment was in support of
operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on
Terrorism.
“This is quite an honor for Northeast and the college family,”
stated Dr. Campbell. “Many of us have seen Teela literally grow
up with us here at the college, and it gives us such a great
sense of pride seeing him serving the United States so
honorably. We appreciate his service and dedication to our
country and his loyalty to Northeast.”
Teela joined the US Navy in 2004 and has received many honors
including the Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement
Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal and Aviation Warfare Specialist.
“His mom, sister, brother, and I are all proud that Teela is
serving his country and that he is doing so well,” said his
father, Perapon Pongakdee.
Pictured with the flag and plaque are (L-R)
Perapon Pongpakdee (father and NACC Assistant Director of MIS
and Instructor of Computer Science), Cheryl Gorham (NACC
Division Director Social Science, Speech & Foreign Languages),
AT3 Teela Pongpakdee, Dr. David Campbell (NACC President), and Emily
Gilmer (fiancé of Teela Pongpakdee).
Article written by and photograph taken by Debra A. Barrentine,
Director of Promotions and Marketing. |
