Abbeville Fire Department receives American flag that flew in Afghanistan

Corey Broussard has served in the U.S. Navy for 15 years, the last five of which he has also worked as a member of the Abbeville Fire Department.
The two service factions of Broussard’s life came together during his recent seven-month tour in Afghanistan. Broussard flew an American flag over Camp Phoenix in honor of the Abbeville Fire Department.
Broussard presented that flag Tuesday morning to Abbeville Fire Chief Jude Mire and those in the department’s third shift, of which Broussard is a member.
“I just wanted to show my appreciation for what these guys did for me,” Broussard said. “While I was over there, they sent care packages. That kind of stuff helps you get through. I did this today because the third shift is on and that is the one I work on, but this is for the entire department.
“I just want to show my gratitude.”
The process of flying a flag for the purpose of presenting comes with a little bit of work.
“We buy the flag from the store on base and then we fly it ourselves,” Broussard said. “We don’t give the flag to someone else to put up. We put it ourselves and leave it there for about 10 to 15 minutes and then we take it back down.”
The return on that short period of time is worth countless years when one in the military presents the flag to someone at home.
“It just shows what we are fighting for,” Broussard said. “We are fighting for those colors. We can fly those colors and bring that back and have something that means a lot for, not only myself, but these guys in the department.
“The fire department fights for those same things, too.”
The framed flag, with a certificate of authenticity, already has a permanent place on a wall at the main fire station.
“It’s a great honor,” Mire said. “For someone to put their life on the line for all of us, it is a great honor. We have been waiting for him to come back and it is a pleasure for him to be back.
“He is a great guy and a hard worker.”
Broussard has not returned to his shift at the fire department just yet. That will take place later this month. Right now he is taking some well-deserved time with his wife Joni, and their three children, Jakyla, 11, Jaylen, 8, and Jani Lynn, 2.
“It feels awesome to be back,” Broussard said. “I am spending time with my wife and kids.
“I am ready to get back to work because I am not one to just sit around for a long time and not do anything.”
Broussard has done plenty during his 15-year Naval career. Along with his most recent tour in Afghanistan, Broussard also served in Iraq in 2007. As for any future tours...
“It is an honor to serve this country,” Broussard said, “but I don’t have any plans for another tour.”