Six From Durham Church Commissioned as Kentucky Colonels

Six members of The United Churches of Durham on Sunday joined an elite group that includes the likes of Pope John Paul II, Johnny Depp, Elvis Presley, Mae West and Ronald Reagan.

The volunteers were commissioned as Kentucky Colonels in recognition of their work with the Low Income Housing Coalition of East Kentucky (LINKS), a non-profit organization that helps rebuild homes for low income residents in eastern Kentucky.

Church members Lisa Davenport, Joseph Davenport, Jr., Abby Huntley, Tracy Morse, John Riggles and David Wilber were presented with letters patent by Rev. Elven Riggles during Sunday worship.

"Kentucky Colonels are unwavering in devotion to faith, family, fellow man and country. Compassionate about being compassionate. Proud, yet humble. Leaders who are not ashamed to follow generals but strong in will and commitment," said Wriggles.

For the past decade, volunteers from the church have been traveling to eastern Kentucky for the congregation's annual summer mission trip. The group will leave on Saturday for a week long trip the region to continue their work.