PowerPoint Presentation

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Do you recognize this soldier?

He is the iconic representation of the most historical day in 2012 for Charles County he is

FRANCIS DESALES WILLSRank/Branch: E3/U.S. Army1st Battalion, 327th Infantry,1st Brigade, 101st Airborne DivisionBorn October 18, 1944, in La Plata, Maryland

Francis Wills was last seen on February 26, 1966, while serving in South Vietnam.

In 1973 his status was listed as Missing in Action.1Slide 2All Gave Some

We must always rememberThat some gave all.2It started with a simple e-mail from a memberof our local Rolling Thunder organization, Mr. Jim Shekleton.

Slide 3This simple request to fly the POW/MIA flag put into motion plans that would forever change the commitment to our heroes.3Slide 4Jims modest and selfless request was simply to have Charles Countyfly the POW/MIA Flag.Jim Shekletons modest request to fly this symbolic flag for a soldier he never met.4Slide 5On September 11, 2012, this request went beforethe Charles CountyBoard of Commissioners.How befitting, that, on this day set aside for honoring Americas heroes, that this request should go before the Board of Commissioners.

5Slide 6With all in agreementA plan was put into action.The Sheriffs Office, upon attending the Commissioner meeting, saw fit to partner with our group in this forever moving endeavor.

6Slide 7and with only two weeks to prepare, staff rallied together.A letter of invitation from the Board of Commissioners to State representatives.

Reaching out to each branch of our military and the local junior ROTC programs.

Arranging for Captain Smith - originally a guest to become an event speaker with his own familys story when his uncle went missing in 1966 - whose plain was recovered in 2011.

Working directly with the Wills family to ensure we presented a program that Charles County was finally able to bring Francis DeSales Wills home.7Slide 8Together we could make this simple request a reality.Staff dedicated their time to the invitations, promoting the event, and reaching out to the public.

When the media specialist delivered the invitation to the local American Legion Post 82 in La Plata, she was greeted by the Commander, who shook her hand and stated Thank you, we are all so grateful to be included.8Slide 9We could bring Francis DeSales Wills

Members of the Wills family came from as far away as Arizona and Georgia.

9Slide 10On September 25, the POW/MIA flag was raised at the Charles County Government Building in La Plata, Maryland.

More than 200 individuals attended the ceremony.

The Washington metropolitan area media attended; including News Channels 7, 9, and 5; along with representatives from the Washington Post, Maryland Independent, and the BayNet.10Slide 11This day gave our County and the Wills family an opportunity for closure...

On behalf of a grateful Nation, the Presenting of the Flag to the Wills Family was completed by Chief Warrant Officer Jay Budd of the U.S. Army.

A wave of emotion could be felt enveloping the crowd as Mr. Wills son was handed the flag.11Slide 12and a chance to recognize ALL Prisoners of War, and soldiers that are still Missing in Action.

In attendance were numerous veterans and active enlisted men and women some in uniform, most coming on their own time.

Each branch of our military was overwhelmingly represented.12Slide 13On this day, September 25, 2012, Charles County committed to officially and permanently fly the POW/MIA flag.The historical significance cannot possibly be lost on each of you

13Slide 14This is our call to action This is our call to action, as this endeavor affects us all

14Slide 15for all Counties in Maryland to recognize the sacrifice of our heroes that never came home.For all Counties in Maryland to recognize the sacrifice of our heroes that never came home.

15Slide 16We have a responsibility.Charles County is committed to showing the respect that our heroes deserve.

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Join us in this endeavor to forever remember.

17Slide 18Mission Statement The mission of Charles County Government is to provide our citizens the highest quality service possible in a timely, efficient, and courteous manner. To achieve this goal, our government must be operated in an open and accessible atmosphere, be based on comprehensive long- and short-term planning, and have an appropriate managerial organization tempered by fiscal responsibility. We support and encourage efforts to grow a diverse workplace.Vision Statement Charles County is a place where all people thrive and businesses grow and prosper; where the preservation of our heritage and environment is paramount; where government services to its citizens are provided at the highest level of excellence; and where the quality of life is the best in the nation.

CHARLES COUNTY COMMISSIONERSCharles County GovernmentP.O. Box 2150 200 Baltimore Street La Plata, MD 20646301.645.0550 301.870.3000 www.CharlesCountyMD.govMD Relay Service: 711 Relay TDD: 1-800.735.2258Equal Opportunity CountyPlease visit our display for a copy of our informative brochure and DVDs of Charles Countys flag ceremony are also available.

Details concerning this initiative can be obtained by contacting the Charles County Commissioners office. 18Amazing GraceUS Air Force BandOne Nation Under God: Instrumental Songs of Inspiration, track 18/20, disc 1/12003Classical169203.8eng - Amazon.com Song ID: 200205329