Thomasville Army recruiter Staff Sgt Ralph Cajuste contacted Thomasville High School Air Force JROTC instructor Master Sgt Charles Smith to tell him that Archbold Memorial Hospital reached out to hi.m about patient who was being discharged, Madison “Jack” Todd, a 98-year-old World War II veteran who fought at the Battle of the Bulge, survived one of the fiercest battles from December 16, 1944 to January 25, 1945, in the Battle of the Bulge, in Belgium. 

Todd, a patient at Archbold Memorial Hospital, had nurse Marc DeCosta, RN, as part of his care team during his stay. DeCosta discovered Todd’s special military past, and wanted to honor him in some way. DeCosta called the local recruiting office to see if a recruiter would come out for a tribute to Todd.  

DeCosta also coordinated with the Thomasville High School Air Force ROTC unit to come out for a presentation of the colors and singing of the national anthem.  

Staff Sgt. Cajuste and Master Sgt Smith acquired a flag case, and Tulina Adams WoodmenLife representative for Georgia, and the staff at Woodmen Life were happy to donate a flag.  

THS AFJROTC cadets folded the flag crisply and placed it neatly in the case. Cajuste and Smith reached out to Sunbelt Trophy Gifts and Engraving, and they had a plaque engraved and affixed to the case in 30 minutes flat.  

Finally, they turned to Publix at Park Place, where the bakery manager donated a sheet cake, and his staff decorated it, same day.  

Capt. Benjamin Christian of the U.S. Army’s Valdosta Recruiting Company, came over to share some heartfelt words about PFC Todd’s service.

Archbold President and CEO Perry Mustian, whose father, M.T. Mustian, also served in the Battle of the Bulge, spoke with Todd following the ceremony.