Two members of the Covington County Shrine Club were recently recognized for their service to Shriners International and their communities.

Noble Doug Sorrells of Hadji Shrine Center in Pensacola, Florida, was presented his 50-year pin for 50 years of service as a Shriner. Sorrells has been active in all aspects of Shrine work to help Shriners Hospitals for Children over the years and is still going strong.

He is an active member of the Covington County Shrine Club and also takes a “hands-on” approach whenever the club plans a project to raise money for the kids. He just takes it and runs with it. Whether it’s boiling peanuts, cooking Boston butts, or whatever needs doing, Sorrells is always at the forefront of the activity. The club and Hadji Shrine Center appreciate everything that he has done over his long years of service. Presenting the award on behalf of Hadji Shrine Center is Eddie Ellis, Oriental Guide for Alcazar Shrine Center in Montgomery.

Noble Michael “Mike” Murphy was recognized by Alcazar Shrine Center of Montgomery, of which he is a member, for his many years of service as well, but especially for his recent efforts to assist the victims of Hurricane Michael in and around Bonifay, Florida, last year. He organized a relief effort and went with other local Shriners and volunteers to that area to assist them with clean-up and recovery efforts after that devastating storm last year. Murphy is always quick to volunteer with any of the Shriners’ projects and effort to help the kids and the community. Murphy is also an avid motorcycle rider and joins with local motorcycle clubs to raise monies for their various charities as well. Presenting the award on behalf of Alcazar Shrine Center is Eddie Ellis, Oriental Guide.

The Covington County Shrine Club salutes these active members for their dedication and hard work to the Club, Shriners International and their communities. Shriners International is composed of Master Masons from around the world and operates 22 hospitals in the United States, Mexico, and Canada for children with severe burns, orthopedic problems, cleft palate, and other problems without regard to the families’ ability to pay. If insurance is available, it is accepted, but no child who qualifies is turned away due to the families’ lack of funds. If you know of a child with any of these problems that needs help, please contact a local Shriner or Alcazar Shrine Center in Montgomery.