THUMBS UP: To members of the Georgia Search and Rescue Task Force No. 2 for their efforts to rescue three workers trapped in a water tower in Homerville for several hours. The three men fell while sandblasting inside of the 150-foot, 500,000-gallon tower. Two of them sustained injuries from the fall.
THUMBS UP: To airmen with the Moody Air Force Base 822nd Security Forces Squadron. About 200 men and women returned home on Tuesday after six months at Camp Bucca in Iraq. They completed their mission and turned things over to the Iraqis.
THUMBS UP: To the Valdosta Fire Department for its quick response to a house fire on South Troup Street. Chief J.D. Rice said the fire started in the laundry room, but his firefighters were able to put it out quickly.
THUMBS UP: To everyone who has supported the Greater Valdosta United Way’s campaign and The Salvation Army’s Empty Stocking Fund so far this year. Donations are still desperately needed. While the United Way works tirelessly to ensure those in the community who are less fortunate have food, clothing, shelter and other necessities throughout the year, the Empty Stocking Fund puts gifts under the trees of some of the area’s poorest children. It takes so little, with everyone working together, to make a difference.
THUMBS UP: To Valdosta High School’s Fine Arts Department for an entertaining holiday show. The talented drama, choral, dance and band students are a source of pride for the Valdosta City School System and commit several hours before, during and after school each day to perfecting their skills.
THUMBS UP: To Catherine Creamer for being one of four top finalists in a contest sponsored by the McDonald’s Corporation to select the 2010 theme for Employee Appreciation Week. A crew trainer at the Bemiss Road McDonald’s, she has been with the fast-food chain for a little less than three years.
