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THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013 ▪ VO L . 1 2 9 , N O. 8 ▪ T H E VO I C E O F TIPTON COUNTY S I N C E 1 8 8 6 ▪
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Brown awarded Silver Star Munford native says he's ‘humbled’ by prestigious award By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Munford native Christian "CB" Brown, a marine wounded at war in 2011, was awarded the nation's third-highest honor in a ceremony on Friday, May 3. Brown, a former squad leader with the 1st Batallion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic actions while deployed to the Helmand Province of Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Though Brown, a 2004 graduate of Munford High School, is widely known for losing both legs after being injured by an improvised explosive device on Dec. 13, 2011, he earned his Silver Star during battle the week before. The Marine Corps reports Brown was honored for actions shown after his squad was attacked while on patrol on Dec. 7, 2011. During the firefight, Brown, then a lance corporal, ordered two marines to move to a different location in order to gain advantage over the attacking insurgents. During the movement, one of the marines was shot in the head and critically wounded. Brown reportedly contacted the medical evacuation and led his squad to the designated landing zone while still under heavy fire. The helicopter was unable to land due to the attacking insurgents and Brown identified an alter-
Brig. Gen. James Lukeman, commanding general of 2nd Marine Division, awards Cpl. Christian A. Brown with the Silver Star May 3 aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, for his actions while deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Silver Star is the third highest military award a service member can receive. Photo by Lance Cpl. Scott Whiting
nate landing zone 400 meters away. He then carried the injured marine 300 meters while still under heavy fire. After assuring the wounded marine was safely evacuated, Brown and the rest of the squad returned to the firefight. The marine, Lance Cpl. Christopher P. J. Levy, 21, of Ramseur, N.C., died three days later.
"Brown had only been a squad leader for about a week at the time of the action," Brigadier General James Lukeman, commanding general of the 2nd Marine Division, said. "He got the squad leader job just by being the guy, being the one people naturally follow. He is a natural leader with physical courage and competence."
SEE BROWN PAGE A3
‘Spongy dirt,’ weather may delay splash pad construction By ECHO DAY eday@covingtonleader.com If Mother Nature has anything to do with it, construction on the Walker Park splash pad may be delayed. If the Town of Atoka has its say, however, residents will be splashing around by Independence Day. "A2H understands our desire to have this done by the Fourth of July," said Town Administrator Brian Koral during a meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen Tuesday night. Construction on the grant-funded splash pad has been delayed not only by the rainy conditions this spring, but also by spongy dirt, Koral reported. In a memo to the board, Koral said as construction began several issues were identified that were not anticipated. Town Engineer Bill Edwards said subsurface conditions varied significantly from the boring logs and additional measures were required in order to provide an acceptable subgrade upon which the splash pad could be built. In laymen's terms, contractors want to make sure they're building a solid foundation that will support the splash pad. Koral reported all surfaces supporting the weight of the pad
Claybrook Farm to expand operations
have now been "disturbed" and no other soil problems have been found. The change order submitted to the board details materials to correct the problem and ensure a good foundation for the water feature will cost an estimated $55,824.31. Thirty days have also been added to the contract, but contractors are working to meet the deadline. The splash pad is part of the new Walker Park master plan. Though the park was constructed in 2010, a pavilion and restrooms were destroyed by arson in 2012. TOURNEY TIME Area teams wrap regular season, prepare for district tournaments, B1
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The fire was set by 12-year-olds. In addition to the splash pad, the new site plan includes more recreational features, such as soccer fields, ball field, playground equipment, a larger pavilion area and a dog park. The splash pad will be the first of its kind in Tipton County. The City of Munford planned to construct one of its own, however residents strongly opposed the project. Current plans have the splash pad opening on July 4 and the town shooting fireworks on July 5.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced grant awards to 110 agricultural producers and rural businesses that will help create jobs and develop new products. Claybrook Farm in Tipton County will use one of the grants to expand operations to include retail sales of Angus beef in the tri-state region. According to owner Dave Turner, Claybrook Farm has had great wholesale success with its Black Angus beef featured by chefs at restaurants in the Memphis area including Chez Philippe, The Peabody and Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen. “With the help of USDA we are now able to take the next big step and invest more in marketing and hire more people for sales and packaging so we can expand into the regional retail market,” he said. “As a family producer there’s nothing more rewarding than hearing how much a chef or family has enjoyed our beef products,” said Turner. “We’re grateful for this partnership with USDA that helps us grow the business and even more motivated to maximize this opportunity for the betterment of our farm, family and community.” Turner said, “Progressive management practices, rotational grazing on a mix of grasses, avoiding pesticides, hormones and antibiotics, and finishing with home grown corn and crop products keeps
SEE FARM PAGE A3
WWII EXHIBIT ON DISPLAY
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Faith Puzzles Classifieds Legals Education
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Congratulations to our Brighton, Covington, Munford and Tipton Rosemark Academy graduates! “Downhome Banking the Way It Should Be”
Tipton County Museum has WWII exhibit on display, A10
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