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Flag flew in Afghanistan combat missionBy MaryHelen Swanson Master Sgt. Scott Sperling of Harris presented a special American flag to the North Branch American Legion Post #85 last week. During one of his 21 combat missions into Afghanistan, Sperling had this flag flown on the back of his C130 with the intention of presenting it to his hometown American Legion of which he has been a member for seven years. Sperling also presented the Legion with a certificate signed by each of the C130ís crew members; there were six in all. The flag was presented in a handmade triangular wooden box created by Sperlingís cousin Dan Walton of Harris. A second flag, also flown during one of his combat missions, was given to his parents. Sperlingís tour to the Persian Gulf area was from the end of January to May 4 this year. He lived in tents and endured an extreme climate with temperatures soaring as high as 130 degrees. He flew 21 combat missions into Afghanistan and surrounding Persian Gulf areas carrying people and supplies. Sperling has served 21 years in the military. He said he received two weekís notice that he was being called up to go in to the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. He said he had his cousin made the case because the flags are smaller ñ 5x7 ñ than the usual ìburialî type flag which fits into a standard flag box. Walton will be making 20 more special flag boxes for other flags flown during this operation. Sperling, a Northwest Airlines mechanic, lives with his wife in Harris. They have three daughters and a son on the way. ©ECM Post Review |