Throughout our Flags for Heroes campaign, we've had the privilege of learning about the incredible veterans who have served our country with courage and dedication. These stories, filled with sacrifice and resilience, serve as a powerful reminder of the true meaning of patriotism.

We’re honored to share the story of Ashley Sovilla, a brave veteran who followed in her family’s footsteps to serve her country.



Story submitted by Chris Howard:I met Bill over a year ago through our church that my wife and I started attending and there was an almost instant connection with him. He's an amazing Christian and will easily give you the shirt off of his back without hesitation. He does a lot for his community and for groups that support the military. I know that he was a Navy Seal in Vietnam and one of the first classes to go through BUDS training. His class was also the first class to donate the ship's bell known as Hell's Bell. He went through training in Coronado, CA. I know that after his time in the service he came back to his home state in Florida on the West Coast north of Tampa and then eventually made his way to Tennessee to become a farmer and then to Texas to work for a large outfit that done many different things from operating large cranes to driving tractor trailers and long hauling loads to 46 out of the lower 48 states. Now, many decades later in his mid 70's he's back in Citrus County Florida in the town of Hernando. He refers to this time in his life as his fourth retirement as he's a pillar in our small but mighty church Grace Pointe Hernando and he's a team member and hauls for Michael Hinde race team. In closing I can say this. I have never met a man like Mr. Bill. I do my best to spend time with him at least once a week. We help each other when we can. There's absolutely no quit in this man. I'm entering him in this contest because I've met a lot of my heroes in my life and he seriously ranks at the top. His story needs to be heard because what I've written is a scratch on the surface. I truly hope that you will consider him and God bless."

Thank you, Ashley, for your honorable service, sacrifice, and dedication.

Sarah Moehling