Friendship Flag Mission to Arkansas Unites with Disability Awareness Message

Spann Cordle Congratulates John Turner on Friendship Flag Mission During Arkansas Eclipse.

When the World Friendship Flag flies in Arkansas in the path of totality of the April 8th solar eclipse, it will highlight the life’s mission of two local men: a teacher and his student. Retired educator John Turner created the Friendship Flag Project to share the message of friendship and unite young people in a mission of caring for others by working to eliminate child hunger. His student, Spann Cordle, has joined in promoting The Friendship Project, as it perfectly complements his mission of Disability Awareness.

“Seeing John Turner’s World Friendship Flag unfurl over Arkansas, the home of Walmart, during the April 8th solar eclipse will be a highlight of my personal mission in life,” Cordle said. “I see John Turner as a visionary much like Sam Walton was, and it’s only appropriate that the World Friendship Flag will fly over Sam Walton’s home state on this special day,” he added. “My journey to become a disability spokesperson and a symbol of workplace inclusion for Walmart was made possible by the encouragement of my high school drama teacher, John Turner, way back in the 1970’s. He gave me the tools and confidence to speak my mind and engage audiences, and for that, I am forever grateful.”

Turner has referred to Cordle as “The Universal Friend,” because of his outgoing personality and his popularity in the workplace as a Self-Check Host at the Walmart Supercenter # 756 in Trion,Georgia. Speaking of Cordle in a 2023 interview, Turner said, “He is a rare individual who has redefined friendship on all levels. Spann’s indomitable spirit and courage have served as a deep well of inspiration for me. His unwavering spirit and genuine desire to help others have inspired me to seek my best self and to embrace the true essence of friendship.” Cordle, who lives with Cerebral Palsy (CP) and uses a wheelchair, believes his communication skills are a special gift to be used to help others in the Disabled Community. “Often CP affects the vocal ability, making communication difficult,” he said. “I was fortunate to have the ability to engage with others so I want to be a spokesman for those who do not have that ability.The Friendship Flag Project is the perfect vehicle to promote communication and understanding between all people, and that benefits the disabled community.”

Cordle is one in thousands of Turner’s students, but he holds a special place in the story of his career. “Just as Mr. Turner’s teaching was part of my making Walmart History as Walmart’s first Associate-Service Dog team, Mr. Turner has made me a part of his story by including me in the second edition of his book, “God’s Junkman”, which will soon become a motion picture. My part of the story is included in the epilogue, which was written by Kay Willingham Shiver,“ Cordle said. “John Turner is making history for Summerville, the Disabled Community, and the late Rev. Howard Finster, by spreading the values of the Friendship Flag Project worldwide.”

By Kay Willingham Shiver: Former Editor, Career Pilot Magazine, Former News Editor Berry College Office of Public Information, Former Feature Writer, The Summerville News