Orman sees a need, finds a quick solution

To say Gregg Orman is community-minded would be a major understatement.

The Switz City Cornerstone Church pastor does a lot of things in the Greene County community that go unnoticed. He's the type of guy that if he sees a need, he tries to find a solution.

With the Linton Freedom Festival entertainment kicking off this weekend, and the Linton Music Festival right around the corner, Orman wanted to make sure the bandshell at Humphreys Park in Linton looked its best.

And provided enough shelter from the elements.

That's why Orman and a group of his friends decided to purchase a 30 foot by 40 foot canopy to cover the frame that was already put in place by the city.

"We saw a need. Once you see a need, step up and take care of it," Orman said. "That park is a real treasure. You drive by there, and you'll see hundreds of people per day. It's a treasure that's right in the middle of Linton. It's a centerpiece."

As you can see, Orman practices what he preaches.

"You don't measure what you take, it's what you give," Orman added. "We did it because there was a need, and it would help the people of the community.

"This will take a lot of trouble and worry off peoples hands. They've done a lot of work out there, and a lot of good groups and musicians, they need a place to play."

Once the Freedom Festival is over, Orman and his group will take the canopy down. But it will be put back up for the Linton Music Festival, and will be available for others to use as well.

"The city owns the frame and stuff ... we're going to put it up and take it down, and make sure if anybody wants it, churches or bands, they can use it. They just need to let us know," Orman explained.

Orman and his band, the Cornerstone Eagle Band, will perform at the bandshell July 4 starting at 7:30 p.m. At 8 p.m., though, will be the highlight of the evening. That's when area military personnel will be honored.

Orman and his band have been playing at the park around this time -- off and on -- since 1976. He's excited about the military tribute.

All military personnel who have served and who are currently serving, will be recognized.

"We're going to have all the military creeds that they swear to when they enlist, all branches will be read," Orman said.

"And we're giving away this year, to everyone who has served or who is currently serving, a lapel pin especially made for them. It's a flag pin, and on the top of the pin is the word Freedom. On the flag there is an eagle for our Eagle band."

Orman also has arranged for a special singer to sing the National Anthem (a hint, it's a 7-year-old boy from Switz City).

"We have several special things planned, songs and lots of stuff. I've got an LCD to run some military pictures, stuff like that," Orman added.

"It's a time of honoring them and saying thank you and welcome home."

The stage will be decorated like a front porch.

"We feel like that will make them feel more at home. Many of these guys, when they come back, people are on the front porch waiting on them," Orman said.

The Silver Star Families organization, which is headed by national president Janie Orman -- Greg's wife -- will play a major role in the activities.

"The most important part ... anyone who has been wounded or injured has been recognized (in the past). This year (they're adding) anyone who became sick because of agent orange during military action," Orman said. "If they contact Janie at Silver Star Families at 847-7030 they can set up and receive a banner that night."

Chris is general manager/editor of the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by telephone at 847-4487 or 1-800-947-4487 or by e-mail at cpruett79@hotmail.com .