A Unique Search and Rescue Mission

By Steve Downs

Sometimes what begins as a simple act of charity becomes much more meaningful for the recipient and the giver. That’s what happened when a business looking to give back to its community made a profound impact on a local veteran and nursing home resident.

Each year at Christmastime, the employees at Lowe’s in Guntersville are given an opportunity to “adopt” residents at nearby Marshall Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Arlene Holland, a Lowes Pro Services Team member, collects profiles of 20 nursing home residents for employees to review and choose who they will sponsor. “Lowes mantra to their employees is, ‘Loving Where You Live,’” Holland said through a smile. “This is always one way we can reach out to others in our community to ensure that mission is a reality for them.”

For Christmas 2017, Holland was praying a veteran would adopt Marshall Manor resident Thomas Cummings. Cummings was a lieutenant in the Marine Corps and served in the Korean War and Vietnam War. He spent a long period of time in a hospital prior to being admitted to Marshall Manor. Initially, he planned on a short-term rehabilitation stay and then return home. However, his medical needs and the Alabama Department of Human Resources determining Cummings’ home living conditions were not favorable for his return lead him to transition to long-term care at Marshall Manor.

In addition to his health-related issues, other devastating events took place in Mr. Cummings’ life over the previous year. After his transition to long-term care, all of Mr. Cummings’ personal belongings and other items that he greatly cherished were supposed to be placed in storage for him by his friends. Instead, the items are missing, and Cummings still doesn’t know how or why.

Marshall Manor staff pulled together and supplied Cummings with clothes, personal items and other necessities. But there are so many things that simply can’t be replaced. Specifically, the most beloved item lost to him was an American Flag which was hand sewn by his mother throughout the course of his years in the service and had all his service medals pinned to it. The culmination of all this placed Cummings in a state of despair. His outlook, demeanor and mood were greatly affected, and he needed a miracle to lift his spirit.

That’s where Lowe’s employee Greg Brackenbury comes into the story. Brackenbury served with the 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan. “I was really just looking for someone who was an Alabama fan and liked Disney stuff,” is the simple and humorous way Brackenbury said he approached his decision on who to adopt from the resident profiles. “But when I learned about Mr. Thomas Cummings’ story, I felt adopting him was something that was inspired, and I also knew exactly what I was going to do.”

Brackenbury’s brother, Ret. Master Sergeant Mike Brackenbury, served 23 years in the Air Force including two tours in Iraq and three tours in Afghanistan where he flew more than 100 search and rescue missions. An American flag was present on each mission. Over the years, Mike Brackenbury gave Greg and his other siblings flags that were flown during the missions he piloted.

The time came for the Lowe’s employees to bring gifts to their adopted Marshall Manor residents and hold a party. At a special moment, Greg Brackenbury presented Cummings with the flag Mike Brackenbury had given him.

“It just made sense to pass it on,” Greg said with confidence. “It meant a lot to meet Mr. Cummings, but to have the opportunity to show him honor and respect was an extra special experience.”

Greg Blackenbury isn’t going to stop there. Besides the military connection, Cummings is also a big fan of Alabama and Disney! “I plan on coming to the nursing home regularly to build a relationship with Mr. Cummings,” he resolved. “I just want to spend time listening to him. I think that will go a long way in helping him overcome a lot of what he has experienced.”

The kindness, respect and honor afforded to Cummings when he presented the flag brought hope and healing in indescribable ways. “There are no words,” Cummings said. “Thank you for all you have done and for taking the time to do it! You have really lifted me up and changed my outlook on things. I will always cherish the memory of what you have done each time I look at the flag.”

Generosity Continues

Holland, the Lowe’s team leader, is coordinating an effort to recover Cummings’ medals as well as resew an American Flag for him.

Brackenbury is now involved with Voices of Valor.  “I invite everyone to check out Voices of Valor on Facebook,” Greg said, “we will be introducing many opportunities in the future for people in the Guntersville community to serve veterans in situations like Mr. Thomas Cummings who have served us.”

So, an American Flag that flew on six war-time search and rescue missions overseas was used on a unique rescue mission right here at home. Presented to Cummings folded in its own window box, the flag is now displayed with pride in his room at Marshall Manor and daily admired not through eyes of downheartedness but endearing dignity.

Editor’s note: Steve Downs is Community Educator at Marshall Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Guntersville, Ala.