CRESTVIEW — When Army Pfc. Davis Schmitz surprised his sister, Crestview High School freshman Karly Celano, by returning from an Afghanistan deployment early and showing up in her band class, nobody imagined the event would make national TV.

But on Sunday night, “America’s Funniest Videos” 25th anniversary show will include the clip among videos of military members’ returns.

Karly’s mom, Sherill Ward, said well after that joyous Oct. 7, 2014, reunion in the Big Red Machine band room, she thought maybe the TV program, commonly known as AFV, might be interested in the video. She sent it in.

Earlier this week she learned the video, shot by area videographer Ken Nielsen, had been accepted, although it won’t be in competition for cash prizes.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Ward said. “It’s not up for any money, but it’ll be aired and that’s nice.”

Nielsen was equally excited.

“One of my videos is going nationwide!” he said, adding that he had supplied the footage to WEAR-TV the day of the brother-sister reunion.

WANT TO WATCH?

A video clip of Army Pfc. Davis Schmitz early return from Afghanistan will air during a segment of “America’s Funniest Videos,” 6 p.m. Sunday on WEAR channel 3.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Soldier’s surprise return video makes ‘America’s Funniest Videos’

CRESTVIEW — When residents pause at the Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial to pay their respects to local war heroes, they’ll find a new name among the roll of honor.

Albert Flowers Sr., a Crestview native, was memorialized Saturday morning by city officials, veterans and residents at the dedication and laying of a brick honoring the Bronze Star recipient.

“I believe Dad is proud,” Albert Flowers Jr. said. “He’s looking down right now and smiling. He was a hero and always will be a hero to me.”

Albert Jr. and his brother, Kent, were present at the ceremony presided over Army Sgt. George Stakley (ret.), during which Mayor David Cadle proclaimed Saturday “a day of remembrance and recognition of the heroic actions of a son of Crestview.”

In his proclamation, Cadle praised Albert Flowers Sr., whose “decisive action and courage was instrumental in saving the aircraft carrier and spring the lives of hundreds of fellow sailors” when the “Intrepid” was attacked in 1944.

Albert Jr. said Saturday’s ceremony wasn’t just about his father.

“We’re here to support all the veterans,” he said. “We honor our veterans and we love them.”

He said if his father were still alive, he believes he would share the message of non-violence he installed in his children.

“I think his message would be similar to Martin Luther King’s,” Flowers said.

“We’re really proud we can stand on this windy day to celebrate this hero,” Stakley said as wind whipped the flags held by the Crestview High School Army ROTC color guard.

“It sure is a proud moment,” Kent Flowers said.

Citations and other personal materials from Albert Flowers Sr.’s military career will be displayed in the Carver-Hill Museum at Allen Park, 895 McClelland Street.

WANT TO GO?

The Okaloosa County Veterans Memorial contains the names of local veterans who gave their lives for their country in wars and conflicts since World War I. Residents may visit the memorial and its eternal flame at the corner of Courthouse Terrace and Main Street.

Families and friends may purchase one of the few remaining bricks in honor of a war hero by contacting Bob Lynn, president of the Military Appreciation Recognition Celebration, 582-2222, bettybob1234@aol.com.

Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New Veterans Memorial brick honors World War II hero

CRESTVIEW — The Swamp Ranger Association, which supports the 6th Ranger Training Battalion on Eglin Air Force Base, is taking applications for new members.

This association provides fun activities for the battalion’s families and supports their wives’ Family Readiness Group, among other things.

 The only requirement to become a member is to want to support the battalion and participate in association activities when you can. E-mail Tom Moody, tomandcarolretired@cox.net, if you would like to become a member.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Here’s how to support Army Rangers

Alprentice Smith, of Hinesville, Ga., has been promoted to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army.

A promotion ceremony is planned Feb. 12 in Fort Gordon, Ga.

Smith and his wife, Tausha, have two daughters and one son. She is the daughter of Mae Reatha and the late Ulysses Coleman of Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Smith promoted to colonel