Local soldier proud of ‘home town’

    HOULTON — Christmas is a time for family, friends and a time for peace.
    For American soldiers serving in Iraq, just having a little piece of home means the world.
Pioneer Times photo/Jennifer Ruth
HOMETOWN PROUD — Houlton native Commander Kevin Coolong will be spending his holidays serving overseas in Baghdad, Iraq. In an effort to bring home closer to him, he’s going to hang this banner within his officers’ club. Pictured here from left in back are: Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant Cyndi Scott and Executive Director Lori Weston. From left in front are: Tammy Acott of Acott’s Custom and Painting, parents Margaret (Peggy) and James Coolong, Jeff Acott and Coolong’s sister Paula Gendron.

    Navy Commander Kevin Coolong was born and raised in Houlton and with a little help from his friend at the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce he was hoping to bring a little piece of his hometown to his temporary residence in Baghdad.
    “I am proud of my hometown, Shiretown of Aroostook, and I miss it every day,” Coolong wrote in an e-mail to his classmate Cyndi Scott. “I am deployed to Iraq and I want to display something, genuine to Houlton, in our officers’ club building. I think a Houlton sign or banner would be great for that.”
    Scott immediately recognized her former classmate and discussed the issue with the Chamber’s Executive Director Lori Weston. Weston and Scott both agreed that they could get the banner to Coolong and responded to him immediately.
    “Thank you for your response and support,” he wrote. “Having this come through you makes it all the more meaningful. God bless you, the Church and God bless America.”
    As an added bonus, Scott and Weston rounded up members of Coolong’s family for a photo with the banner and its creators, Acott’s Custom Painting. Jeff Acott and Tammy Acott delivered the banner to the Chamber on Monday, Dec. 10.  His parents Margaret (Peggy) and James Coolong and sister Paula Gendron were able to see their handiwork.
    Coolong is serving with the surgical unit in Baghdad, Iraq. He is a graduate of Georgetown University, as well as a 1979 graduate of Houlton High School.