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Saluting vets: Vosler staff retires flag at veterans’ home

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Paul Breckon
  • Vosler NCO Academy
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  On Memorial Day, my wife, some friends and I, along with 50,000 other people, ran in the Bolder Boulder 10K road race. On our trip back to Colorado Springs in the afternoon, we noticed several national flags still flying at half staff. Protocol dictates on Memorial Day, the flag is raised to full staff at noon.

During my two years as a professional military education instructor at the Forrest L. Vosler NCO Academy, I have learned a lot about the flag. For instance, did you know that when holding the flag, you are not to make normal, sharp facing movements, but slow ones? Also, when a flag becomes torn or faded, it must be replaced and, as stated in U.S. Code Title 4, Chapter 1, "destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."

On breaks between classes, NCO Academy staff members go down to Florence, Colo., to visit the residents of the Bruce McCandless Veterans Administration nursing home. On a visit in April, Tech. Sgt. Todd Badger, flight instructor, noticed the home's American flag looked a little worse for wear.

"The harsh Colorado elements took their toll on this flag," he said. "On the drive back, we were talking about how we should get them a new one." So we did.

Two days after Memorial Day, with the symbolism of the flag uppermost in our minds, the Vosler NCOA staff went to Florence with a new flag for the residents to display. Sergeant Badger planned a simple ceremony, which we performed with about 20 VA residents and staff members in attendance.

"It was nice to give back to them, since they helped keep our country free," said Master Sgt. Anthony Abler, military professional superintendent.

The sacrifices of our veterans are many, and we were glad to show them gratitude by replacing their flag. These veterans who fought so valiantly for our country are constant reminders that freedom is not free. We were honored to spend time with them, listen to their great stories and share with them how we are continuing their legacy.

One of the instructors said she was moved by the ceremony.

"I was proud to be there doing that for our vets," said Tech. Sgt. Capucine Fick, flight instructor.

 

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