From left, Executive Officer Major Nathaniel Shropshire, former Jackson City Councilman 1st Lt. Anthony D. Jackson, Lt. Col. David Whaling and Sgt. Major Orlando Santiago, all of the 157th Command Battalion, display the Jackson city flag, which will make its way across Iraq. Lt. Col. Whaling, Jackson's commander, will take the City of Jackson flag on tours throughout Iraq and present the flag back to Jackson. Lt. Jackson was deployed with 157th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in July. He recently conveyed a message stating that the citizens of Jackson are well represented in Iraq as the flag is transported across the country during his deployment. This flag will be presented back to Jackson Mayor Richard Long upon the redeployment of 1st Lt. Jackson. Jackson's job in Iraq is to supervise battalion operations and training of 500-plus soldiers. He said he loves his job, which is not much different from his Wal-Mart job back in the states. Jackson told Lt. Col. Whaling that he is proud of his city and its citizens and there has never been a more supportive community. He also mentioned that the citizens of the United States are blessed to live in a country that preserves freedom and gives everybody the right to worship, be educated and to have a voice in their government. "Never take these things for granted and be thankful everyday that you lived there," he said. Jackson sends thanks back home to the Thomasville Wal- Mart Store where he is employed, the citizens of Jackson and the mayor and city council of Jackson for their support while he is deployed. He also sends his love to his family, wife, Tiffany Jackson and their three children, Destiny, Dakendren and Domanek. More...