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MEMBER PROFILE HONORARY & Associate John Peck Colonel Ben E. Caudill Camp #1629 |
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 John Peck |
John Peck, more than anybody, has exemplified the true Confederate spirit. John has given to us all a clear definition of courage and humility. He became haunted by a dream of re-enacting the Battle of Leatherwood and worked feverishly towards its reality. Although recovering from a major operation, John took the lead without any thought of recognition and brought the Battle of Leatherwood into the spotlight. His hard work and dedication reaped the fruit of success and support started falling into place behind his leadership. He developed the character of the old Confederate spy traveling through eastern Kentucky speaking to different groups about the battles in which our ancestors fought. He worked without thought of personal gain as he spread the word of the cause to whoever would lend an ear. He would always report back to his superiors regarding the movement of the enemy. He has been photographed on several occasions for the news media in rekindling of the interests the saga of the eastern Kentucky battles. On his last outing, he had been to an area when the idea of having him photographed on a horse developed. He received permission to ride and as he was being photographed the horse became spooked and reared crushing down upon him. Extensive damage was done and he was in agonizing pain. When the EMTS attempted to cut off his shirt, his old rebel spirit came through and he refused to have it taken from him. Such is the tenacity of this mild mannered man. He was taken to Whitesburg and was flown out to University of Kentucky. There he lay, in and out of a coma struggling with the Angel of Sorrow, knowing he had more to do before his crossing. Having survived a couple of major surgeries, he was put into a medical coma and then placed in God’s hands. Oh, how the brave man fought! Such an inspiration and soon word spread of his plight. A prayer crusade began with strangers rallying around this wounded hero. Hundreds of prayers turned into thousands and a gracious God heeded the petitions of man. Surrounded by his loving and devoted wife Jean, the old spy rallied from the edge of the abyss uttering his intentions to be at the Battle of Leatherwood on October 11-12, 2003! As of the writing of this it is reported that he will soon be coming home! God indeed has plans for this mortal and to me he seems a hero. His longing to find a Confederate ancestor will continue and it is the proposal of this fielder to proclaim our spy as an Honorary Member of the Colonel Ben Caudill Camp # 1629.
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