LAKE ASBURY—Brad Satcher has never pretended about his convictions. He loves his family, his country, Clay County, and his friends.

Last week, his friends and county colleagues showed their love for his years of hard work, patriotism and commitment by surprising him and his famed Patriots Barn with a party and the Clay County Community Service Award presentation.

Set up months in advance, Satcher was surprised when he stopped at Dalton’s Sports Grill last Monday night with Judge Ray Forbess Jr. to pick up an order of fried green tomatoes. He entered to cheer and an ovation from 40 friends and officials.

He was overwhelmed by the outpouring of appreciation and choked back tears as he tried to grasp the moment.

“I am who I am because of my dad,” Satcher said. “I love Florida. I love the United States. I love Clay County. I cherish when I get to spend even a minute with each one of you at the barn.”

The Patriots Barn is a converted horse stall where Satcher transforms strips of wood into American flags. Law enforcement and military inundated Satcher for flags during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war on terror.

Sheriff Michelle Cook sometimes spends her off days at the barn helping him cut and sand wood.

“There is nobody who loves his country and loves this county more,” she said. Brad Satcher, I want to thank you for always being so positive in a world where there's so much chaos and so much negativity. The positivity that you bring to this community is why all these people are here. They love you. I love you.

“You mean a lot, not only to this community but especially to the people that are standing here in this room. I don't want you to underestimate your value in Clay County and in the hearts of everybody standing here.”

Satcher was also given a unique coin with the emblem of the Patriots Barn on one side and the signatures of many of the people at the surprise award ceremony.