Marshall County is home to one of the most devout Republicans a person could find. Tim Collins, 52-year-old Veteran of the Navy and Gulf War, is a true patriot and showsupeverydaytosupport the fight for the country. He said he is just following God’s calling.
“God put this on my heart, the Holy Spirit led me to this spot,' Collins said. “It’s all about love for one another and love for our nation. I want to unite our nation no matter which party a fellow patriot stands with, we are all in this together.”
Over the course of the last four years, Collins and his sister Sarah can be seen daily on the corner of Lillie and First Street in Madill. They are continuously waving at fellow Americans driving past, flying flags to show their deep love for our country and wearing Trump merchandisetoshowsupport for their favorite Republican candidate.
He has been out there no matter how cold the winter days have become, how hot the summer days to be, even in the rain. His commitment is unwavering in even the most inclement elements. He said his motivation comes from his patriotism.
“My beliefs in prosperity, capitalism and the Constitution keep me solid in what I am doing out here,” said Collins. “It’s my way of fighting back in a peaceful way.”
Approximately 30 members of the community joined Collins on that corner on November 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to show their support. It seemed everybody had a great time celebrating America and its freedoms.
Duane and Stacie Salyer, members at The Church of Christ, organized this event with Collins. They cheered alongside him and said a prayer over everyone in attendance and the nation as a whole.
“He is a true encouragement and inspiration to the community,” Salyer said. “Collins is good man wanting to promote the truth that he believes and holds near and dear to his heart.”
Collins was raised in Madill and attended South Eastern University.Hegraduated with a degree in PE, American History and Oklahoma History. From 1996-1998, he was a teachers’ aid before he joined the service. He said he dreamed of being in the armed forces since childhood.
When he came home in 2005, he decided to pursue a different path from education. He said he still loves children and finds immense joy with their involvement in patriotism.
“We can all still dream, at any age,” Collins said. “I am having the time of my life. I have grown to love people more now than any other time in my life. When it gets hard, the support from the community continues to give me strength. I want to thank all the patriots for the honks, waves and pulling over to share a kind word with me.”