May 30--BLOOMINGTON -- McLean County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Jeff Kretlow brought a special gift back to the agency he works for Tuesday to show his appreciation for its support while he was deployed to Afghanistan.
The specially framed U.S. flag accompanied Kretlow on two combat missions and was flown over Camp Wright in Kunar Province on Sept. 11, 2011, where he was stationed for the 10 months and 15 days he was away from his job as a county officer.
Kretlow thanked Sheriff Mike Emery and his co-workers who joined him for a ceremony Tuesday in the department's training room.
"I can't thank you enough for staying in touch, sending emails and allowing me to Skype with you," said Kretlow.
Staff at the sheriff's department visited with Kretlow and Sgt. 1at Class Randy Wright of Lexington during an Internet video and voice exchange set up by the department shortly before Thanksgiving. Both men were serving with the Illinois National Guard's team that develops local agricultural programs in Afghanistan.
Emery said the flag "will be displayed with the utmost pride" at a special location at the sheriff's department.
Kretlow's unit returned home April 20 and he was back at work Monday after several weeks of leave.
Copyright 2012 - The Pantagraph, Bloomington, Ill.
