Reflections

John Caudle, Part 2. An interview with a hero! John Caudle and his B-29 Crew. Photo most likely taken at Tinian Island This post is a followup to part 1 of an interview I conducted with John Caudle, a Farmington, NC World War II veteran. I think you will really enjoy this time I spent with John. You can see in his eyes the reflections of 65 years. Enjoy T. Kyle

Meeting John Caudle in 2009 was a rich experience. John was scheduled to be on the first rounds of veterans going on the Triad Flight of Honor, a trip for World War II veterans to see their memorial.   To describe John,  I would call him a humble gentleman. By age 18, he was stripped from his country roots and traveled all across our country and even a small island in the pacific, Tinian . A young John Caudle during the  war. This island was the launching pad for the Enola Gay , a plane that was engaged in the paramount event of World War II and will forever be engraved in the annals of American World War II history.  Caudle knew the bombardier of this famous plane, John Ferebee , who was from the same small county in North Carolina.  John served as a tail-gunner in a B-28. I hope you enjoy this reflection John offers, a relection over 60 years after this amazing experience.   Click to watch part 1 of his story.

In 2009 ,  it was my great honor to take James Foster from Cooleemee on the Triad Flight of Honor to Washington, DC.  Mr. Foster demonstrated a meek, kind demeanor. You'll hear him talk about working triage the day Eisenhower pushed the American troops on the banks of Normandy.  Later, he found himself post Battle of the Bulge liberating concentration camps. I think you will be moved by this great American!   Click to watch interview

One of the great memories I will cherish for a lifetime was my participation on the Triad Flight of Honor committee.  Together, with the support of Rotary 7690 and citizens all across the Triad, we took over 1300 veterans to see their memorial.  Listening to these veteran, I learned so much of what made our country strong. A World War II veteran that was known by many in Davie County, North Carolina was John Barber. I hope you will enjoy this 20 minute interview with a gentleman, a veteran, a public servant and loving husband.....John Barber. Click to watch the video

As a person who grew up in a Christian Church, I'll admit that 2015 is a climate where a lot of faith people are shy to admit, confess and demonstrate their belief system. Television, new organizations and many politically motivated groups will label you very quickly as zealot, crazy, or ultra religious. I woke up this September  11th morning thinking about my reliance on God in my life and wanted to share a few simple scriptures that I hope will encourage you to reach out to the creator. 1. John 1:1 says “ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. “ This means that from the beginning of time, Christ was alive and in our time he has been made real in flesh and the bible’s very words are of Christ. 2. Psalms 119:105 says “ Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path . “ Our every decision should be made based on His word. It makes dark places light. One of those incredible sunrises over Shackleford Banks. 3. Hebre...