TIFTON — With July 4 coming, the city sought to honor one of its own as a true American hero.

Retired Col. Ralph Puckett Jr., a 2021 recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, was honored by his hometown and community July 1 at the Tifton First United Methodist Church.

Having served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, Puckett received the Medal of Honor from President Joe Biden for his actions above and beyond the line of duty in Korea. Puckett was born and raised in Tifton.

The retired colonel has earned a reputation among many of his friends and loved ones for his constant service to his community and country, and several of these people spoke at the ceremony recounting tales of how Puckett impacted their lives.

The Rev. Chip Grantham, who read the invocation for the event, first reflected on his experiences with Puckett when the two were part of the ministry of Northside United Methodist Church and beyond, noting the immense value he staked in the soldiers of the Army. Despite the two not knowing each other well, Puckett treated him like the most important person in the room when they interacted.

“Col. Puckett, you’re an inspirational hero,” Grantham said. “You are an incredible leader, a person who would give his life in service to this country. You’re also an amazing encourager, somebody who lifts other people up. We’re delighted that you’re here and that you’re able to join us today.”

Following this, retired Col. Robert Choppa, Puckett’s Ranger buddy, recounted his experiences with Puckett in the Army Rangers, saying he always tried leading by example, would help others become their best selves, and supported and motivated his team to such an extent he was willing to die for them.

Calling him a “unique soul,” Choppa informed the audience of a time when Puckett, as an honorary colonel in the Army Rangers, deployed to Afghanistan in his 70s and 80s to help where he could, and was still trying to make a difference today in his mid-90s.

Choppa thanked Tifton for not only honoring such a noble man, but helping to raise him and develop his character in the first place.

“No one will doubt that Ralph is a warrior,” Choppa said. “He’s our hero, decorated for valor and known for bravery under fire. We also know that he is a true gentleman, a husband, father, friend, a mentor … and he’s my Ranger buddy.”

Mayor Julie Smith and the entire Tifton City Council thanked Puckett. Smith expressed her gratitude at being able to honor the hero.

As thanks for his service and to honor him for his recent prestige, council not only signed a proclamation declaring July 1 as Col. Ralph Puckett Jr. Day but also presented the retired colonel with a key to the city and a sign of Victory Drive, representing the council’s recent renaming of the street for Puckett.

Jody Redding, a representative for Gov. Brian Kemp, said the governor sent his regards in a letter read aloud for Puckett and the audience.

“As Americans, we owe a great debt and our gratitude to our service members like (Puckett), who go above and beyond the call of duty to protect the freedom we hold dear,” the letter read. “I want to thank Ralph Puckett for his service and congratulate him once more on being awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest and most prestigious military recognition.”

Redding also said Kemp wishes the best for Tifton, expressing pride for the city’s growth during its 150 years of existence and the service the residents have shown to the community and beyond.

Thomas Puckett, son of Ralph Puckett, spoke on his father’s behalf, reading a speech that the retired colonel had prepared for the event but was unable to read himself due to medical difficulties.

Puckett’s letter reflected on how much of his heritage, family and history is, has been and will be in Tifton, and how that has made the city his one true home. He spoke on the progression of his life, and the loved ones he encountered across it that, even through their tiniest of actions, made so much of a difference.

With the aid of his son, Col. Puckett shared stories of his father and mother, who taught him courage and responsibility, his friends from whom he learned strength, grace and the value of friendship, and his mentors, who taught him perseverance and who helped him find the love of his life, with whom, he noted, he would soon be celebrating his 70th anniversary.

“No matter your job, or your role, or your place, no matter what kind of relationship you have with people, you never know how your words and example will influence their character for the rest of their lives,” Puckett said. “We all impact each other in indelible ways; try to make every word and every act something positive and to be proud of, and it will echo forever in the lives of others.”

Puckett closed his letter by ruminating on all he had to be thankful for after all he had done and lived through, including a family that had grown and blossomed beyond his imagination, many of whom were present at the ceremony, and thanked all in attendance for coming, expressing how truly honored he was for such a level of recognition.