Sgt. Robert L. Sheppard, Jr. of the 1230th T.C. GA Army National Guard was completing his 12-month tour of duty in Iraq when he received an encouraging letter from Riverview Middle School student, Emily Ayers. Sheppard returned home to Dawsonville from his tour in early May.

To thank Emily for her supportive letter, he presented her with a United States flag that was flown over Iraq in an F-16C Viper and an accompanying certificate. The flag was flown by Red Tail Fighter Pilot Lt. Col. Stephen "Pedro" Pedrotty in support of the ground troops in the vicinity of Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A flag and certificate was also presented to Riverview Middle School.