The Ledger

By Becky Holland

COCHRAN, Ga. — Old Glory has a new place to fly at the high school softball field in Cochran, thanks to a simple wish, a dedicated softball booster and the generosity of WoodmenLife.

For years, the softball and baseball programs shared an American flag. However, over the last couple of years, a crape myrtle tree behind the visitor’s dugout has grown large enough to obstruct the view of the flag from the softball field.

One of the softball coaches, Courtney White, thought it would be wonderful to have a flagpole beyond center field, where the Stars and Stripes could be seen clearly by everyone on the field.

A couple of months ago, White mentioned the idea to softball booster JoAnn Thompson.

“I told one of our softball boosters a couple months ago that we would love to have our own flag at the softball field,” White explained.

Thompson took the idea and went to work, reaching out to find someone willing to help make it happen.

“She did all the work from there honestly,” White said. “She asked around and found a donor for us.”

That donor was WoodmenLife, Chapter 0641, which generously donated a 30-foot flagpole and American flag.

Now, the American flag flies proudly beyond center field, providing an unobstructed view for players, coaches and spectators.

What began as a casual conversation became another example of what can happen when people care enough to turn an idea into reality.

Thanks to Thompson’s determination and the generosity of WoodmenLife, the softball field now has a beautiful new addition that represents patriotism, pride and community spirit.

And sometimes, it only takes one person asking a question and another willing to help to make something special happen.

Photo contributed by JoAnn Thompson