Flags of Freedom
Honor, celebrate and remember veterans with your United Way.
Flags of Freedom was a grand, two-week display of 600 American flags to honor, celebrate and remember veterans on Memorial Day. The community was invited to participate by purchasing dedications in honor or memory of a veteran in their life. Proceeds supported United Way programs that assist veterans, including Veterans Ride Free. Dedications will be published on this page through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025.
Special thanks to IAM & AW District Lodge #70 for co-hosting this initiative with United Way of the Plains.
VETERAN DEDICATION WALL
Dedications are organized by area of service, alpha order by last name.
JUMP TO A SECTION: Army | Marine Corps | Navy | Air Force | Coast Guard | Space Force | General
ARMY
| Honoree Full Name | Rank | Vet Name & Rank | Personal Tribute | Donor Full Name | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark Babich | Thank you to Mark Babich for serving in the U.S. Army. We are so appreciative of all that you continue to do for our family. - Angie Prather | ||||
| Adam Bell | This dedication was purchased by Gwen Kochman. | ||||
| Oscar Bennett | This dedication was purchased by Lori Love. | ||||
| Gary Allen Brooks | I miss the sound of your laughter everyday! - Wendy Brooks | ||||
| Howard Brown | 4th Infantry Division 'Ivy Division' Utah Beach D-Day, Purple Heart recipient - Annie Murach | ||||
| Clifford Burgoon | Thank you for your service. - Anonymous | ||||
| Larry Burks, Sr, Lieutenant Colonel | LTC Burks is retiring this month as director of Military and Veterans Services at Wichita State. We're grateful for his several years of service to Wichita State and a lifetime of service to the country. - Bobby Gandu | ||||
| Dennis Ray Busher, SGT | Can't believe how long is been, We'll forever love and miss you, Dennis. - Michael Busher | ||||
| Refugio "Ray" Cervantes, Sergeant First Class (SFC) | Refugio "Ray" Cervantes, SFC, Company D42 Tank Battalion, Combat Command A 11th Armored Division Battle of the Bulge WWII, Korean WarOn this Memorial Day we remember and honor your service to the country. All your loving family, Mario & Kim Cervantes | ||||
| Ron Draper | Ron, thank you for your past service to our country, and also for your current leadership here in Wichita. - Steve Dixon | ||||
| Albert Daniel Edwards, SGT | This dedication was purchased by Amanda Schmutz. | ||||
| Dwight D. Eisenhower, General, Supreme Commander, President | It's an honor to recognize the namesake of the largest airport in the state of Kansas, Dwight D. Eisenhower. His service to our country is a testament to the values we uphold as a community: safety, security, and the greater good. - Jesse Romo | ||||
| James Favreau, CSM (ret) | Thank you, Dad, for your decades of service overseas to protect the nation we all love. Your sacrifice and service still means the world to me. – Jan Najera | ||||
| James Watson Foley, PFC | Thank you for your service Grandpa! - Gary Hall | ||||
| Alan Freeman | On behalf of SEIU 513, we honor your commitment and service to our country. | ||||
| Arthur W. Frey, Jr. , Sergeant | To the grandfather I did not get to meet, thank you for your service. - Krystal Iseminger | ||||
| Leonard F. Friedel | This dedication is in your memory and in honor of your service and great love and respect for the American flag. - Sheila Konkel | ||||
| Pat D Garcia | April 28,1949 - April 8, 2000Vietnam Veteran. Life long public servant. Beloved husband, father, brother, son and friend. Gone but not forgotten. - Patrick Garcia II | ||||
| Jim Garrison, Colonel (ret) | 30 years later and you’re still teaching us what “family” means and how we take care of each other through thick and thin. Thank you for your service to our country and to the men and women you led. – Pete and Jan | ||||
| Michael Gerber, SP4 | This dedication was purchased by Michele Hennes. | ||||
| James William Gray | This dedication was purchased by Loretta Hackman. | ||||
| Johnny Gonzales | On behalf of IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee and our membership, we honor your service and sacrifice to our nation. | ||||
| Robert F Harpenau | Many Prayers for your peace and comfort. - Matthew Wendling | ||||
| Andrew Hovan, 101st Airborne, Sgt | This dedication was purchased Donna Lehane. | ||||
| S. F. Hovan | This dedication was purchased by Donna Lehane. | ||||
| Jack Ellis Howard | This dedication was purchased by Lori Love. | ||||
| Jack Michael Howard | This dedication was purchased by Lori Love. | ||||
| James H Hunter | Korean War - Jennifer Rountree | ||||
| Earnest Johns Sr. | This dedication was purchased by Brian Lee. | ||||
| Giovanni Kotoriy, LTC (ret) | Your selfless service still serves as a living reminder to your godchildren what great leadership means. Thank you for your service! – Peter and Zach | ||||
| Jackie V. Lehman | This dedication was purchased by Pat Lehman. | ||||
| Hans Lorenzini | Thank you for stepping up to volunteer and serve our county. People like you are what make our nation great. – Pete and Jan Najera | ||||
| Thomas K. Lorenzini, CSM (ret) | Dad, in recognition of and with deep gratitude for your 50+ years of dedicated service, both in active duty and civilian roles! Hans and Dorothy | ||||
| Lott Metzler, E5 | The 0300 friend you'd call. The family you want. Best grandpa/great grandpa ever. Thank you for your examples of how to love and live life, and thank you for your service to our country. We love you so much! - Stephanie Callahan | ||||
| Duane Meis, PFC | On behalf of IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee and our membership, we honor your service and sacrifice to our nation. | ||||
| Raymond Massoth, 27th Infantry Division in WWII | This dedication was purchased by Michele Grimm. | ||||
| Clyde McKinney | This dedication was purchased by Susayn Brandes. | ||||
| Joseph M. Menges | In memory of my grandfather. - Sheila Konkel | ||||
| Frank Murach | His pictures from a battle fought on the island of Leyte were very heavy and contrasting from the capture of a flag to the beautiful palm trees. - Annie Murach | ||||
| Janette Najera | Jan, thank you for your service then and your incredible friendship now! Love ya! Jean | ||||
| Pete Najera | Pete, Thank you for your service to our country and to the Wichita community! Jim | ||||
| Pedro Najera, Colonel (ret) | The older I get, the more I appreciate your selflessness in helping others and why your leadership was successful. Now I know why the troops you led in Korea and later in Vietnam were so loyal to each other, to you, and to the country they loved. – Pete Najera | ||||
| Peter F. Najera, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, 1987-2007 | Thank you for serving our country and for leading the efforts in our region to create pathways to opportunity for all. #ForceForGood - United Way of the Plains Staff | ||||
| Ed Nicks | On behalf of IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee and our membership, we honor your service and sacrifice to our nation. | ||||
| Clifford Nicks | On behalf of IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee and our membership, we honor your service and sacrifice to our nation. | ||||
| Richard Orange | In loving memory of my grandpa, a proud U.S. Army veteran and the greatest man, second only to my dad. Your strength, humor, kindness, and legacy live on & I miss you every single day. - Samantha Verheecke | ||||
| Ernest Ola Rogers, Private First Class (PFC) | On this Memorial Day we remember and honor the service of our father and grandfather Earnest Ola Rogers, and all veterans that sacrificed so much for our country. All Your loving Family - Mario & Kim Cervantes | ||||
| Raymond Vernon Ross, Sr., Private First Class | What a day that will be, Grandpa - Brooklyn Black | ||||
| Edward Rucker, Private 1st Class | May we carry forward his legacy of honor, courage, and love of country. Rest in peace, soldier your duty is done, and your memory lives on. From Ed, Stacy, Cindy & Mark | ||||
| Matt Samms | This dedication was purchased by Chris Hemphill. | ||||
| Paul Sears | On behalf of IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee and our membership, we honor your service and sacrifice to our nation. | ||||
| Steven D. Shepard Sr. | Dad,Thank you for the sacrifices you made in service to our country. You chose to stand for freedom even when that same freedom wasn't always extended to you. Thats the truest kind of love and courage. Im so proud of you, and I deeply appreciate you. - Joseph Shepard | ||||
| John Francis Sloat Sr., US Army Signal Corps | G-Pa, we love and miss you immensely. Thank you for the many ways you represented our family, including the integrity in which you served our nation. Your memory is a blessing! - MaeLauren Hudson | ||||
| Soldiers of 3rd platoon, B co, 1-37 Armor | Young Guns Forever. No Slack! - 1LT Najera | ||||
| Alvin Struble | This tribute was purchased by Mark A. Babich. | ||||
| Charles Robert "Bob" Smith | Bob served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He will be remembered for his servant's heart. Thank you for your service. | ||||
| James Marvin Smith Sr. | On behalf of IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee and our membership, we honor your service and sacrifice to our nation. | ||||
| John Stage | On behalf of SEIU 513, we honor your commitment and service to our country. | ||||
| Shayla Stahl | KS - Jennifer Szambecki | ||||
| Bill Thomas | On behalf of IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee and our membership, we honor your service and sacrifice to our nation. | ||||
| John Richard Thurman, Jr., Captain | I want an officer for a secret and dangerous mission. I want a West Point football player. -General George C. Marshall (and true for all those who love you dearly)! Thank you for your service, and for being the amazing human and veteran you are. - Donna Niles | ||||
| Weldon Wilkinson | 1956-1959. Basic at Fort Rucker Alabama as a helicopter mechanic. Stationed at Fort Belvoir Virginia. Aviation Coordinator. Kept track of testing & flight time. Washing D.C ride check. - Cody Wilkinson | ||||
| Ben Witherspoon, Private First Class | Dad-Thanks for your service to our country in the Korean War. We love you and miss you. - Jeff and Steve |
MARINE CORPS
| Honoree Full Name | Rank | Vet Name & Rank | Personal Tribute | Donor Full Name | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenneth Richard Decker | Thank you for serving our country. - Kae Decker | ||||
| Ringo Jason Fanning, Corporal | Cpl Fanning served on the USS Constellation as part of the VMFA 323 Death Rattlers (F/A18C jets) in support of Operation Southern Watch. Pilots Maj John C. Spahr & Cpt Kelly C. Hinz were lost from his squadron on May 2, 2005 in a collision over Iraq. - Laurie Hoffman | ||||
| Richard Fesler | Richard gave a lifetime of service. - Jennifer Szambecki | ||||
| Richard Fesler, Sergeant | You will never be forgotten! - Elizabeth Unruh | ||||
| Connie Hammons | This dedication was purchased by the Chapman family. | ||||
| Major Robert E Happy | This dedication was purchased by Bridget Bowman. | ||||
| Harlan Henderson | This dedication was purchased by Justin Welner. | ||||
| Roger L Hollingshead | In loving memory. - Gina Hollingshead | ||||
| Mike McWilliams | KS - Jennifer Szambecki | ||||
| Josh Neally | KS - Jennifer Szambecki | ||||
| Frank C. Oldfather, Master Sergeant | Dad was a proud member of the flying bobcats. He served with honor during his service and throughout his life. His squadron helped to end WW2 by securing the south pacific arena. Thank you Dad, from a proud family and country. - Susan Oldfather | ||||
| James A Richardson | This dedication was purchased by JJ Hayward. | ||||
| Charles Alexander Schenck, Sergeant | This dedication was purchased by Logan Bradshaw Schoech. | ||||
| Aubrey Samual Summers | Thank you for being MY Marine...All I require is a hug!!! - Marie Jones | ||||
| James Dennis Wilson | Proud Marine. Agent Orange cut his life short. Miss him very much. - Sandra Wilson | ||||
| Jerry Vogel, Major | His 22 years of service included one tour in Korea and three tours in Vietnam. A Marine pilot, it was for his bravery during helicopter combat insertion missions in Vietnam that he was awarded a Silver Star and Purple Heart. Arlington National Cemetery. - Annie Murach |
NAVY
| Honoree Full Name | Rank | Vet Name & Rank | Personal Tribute | Donor Full Name | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chad Blanchett | On behalf of SEIU 513, we honor your commitment and service to our country. | ||||
| Kenneth Bradley, Lt Commander | Proudly served during WWII and Korean War - Robin Bradley | ||||
| Lawrence W Brown | Thank you for your service, dad! We are so thankful for you. - Susan DeVaughn | ||||
| Rogan Carpenter | On behalf of SEIU 513, we honor your commitment and service to our country. | ||||
| Harry Cassidy | 1950-1953. Joined Navy at 18. Basic at Great Lakes in Chicago. Stationed on a Destroyer Ship - USS Hugh Purvis. Served at Corpus Christy Texas guarding Blue Angels. POW for 18 months during Korean War. - Cody Wilkinson | ||||
| George W. Chapman Jr. | On behalf of IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee and our membership, we honor your service and sacrifice to our nation. | ||||
| Robert L Coleman | Always dedicated to the USA. A true patriot. - Marie Maugans-Coleman | ||||
| Leon Eugene Drouin, Lt. Commander | We miss you every day, Dad. You showed all of us how to live a life of honor and service and love. - Mary Drouin | ||||
| Emerson Freeman | On behalf of SEIU 513, we honor your commitment and service to our country. | ||||
| Robert F Harpenau, Machine Accountant Third Class | Though our dearest Sharon Yaussi's amazing father, Robert F. Harpenau has crossed the final horizon, the echoes of his service and love will forever remain in our hearts. With love, Sheila, Leticia and Pari | ||||
| Harold Holtz | On behalf of SEIU 513, we honor your commitment and service to our country. | ||||
| John David Jones, Boatman III | JD was proud to serve his country on a destroyer in the North Sea. - Jeff Jones | ||||
| Duane Myers | On behalf of IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee and our membership, we honor your service and sacrifice to our nation. | ||||
| Richard Osborne, Petty Officer Third Class E4 | On behalf of SEIU 513, we honor your commitment and service to our country. | ||||
| Fonzy Lee Robertson, Sr | WWII Navy Aircraft Carrier, Aircraft Mechanic - David Robertson | ||||
| Kenneth Ray Rowland, S1 | Miss you everyday, Dad! - Cynthia Yulich | ||||
| Gene Sowell | This dedication was purchased by the Sowell family. | ||||
| Eric Spillman | Thank you, brother. - Jerrmey Hilton | ||||
| Blaine Edward Welton | I love you, dear Blaine! Fly high!! - Jessica Martin | ||||
| Terry Woolsey, MCB 62 | Thank you Uncle Terry for your service and continued dedication to all veterans. - Natalie Merten | ||||
| Walter Junior Whitson | Thank you for your service. I was blessed to have you as a father. - Judy Pierce | ||||
| Misha Wilson, Petty Officer Second Class E5 | On behalf of SEIU 513, we honor your commitment and service to our country. |
AIR FORCE
| Honoree Full Name | Rank | Vet Name & Rank | Personal Tribute | Donor Full Name | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22d Comptroller Squadron & Wing Staff Agencies, McConnell AFB | Honoring the brave, dedicated, and hardworking men and women of the 22d Comptroller Squadron and Wing Staff Agencies of McConnell Air Force Base, and their families. Thank you for all you do to help protect our freedom every day. - Emily Juhnke | ||||
| Tommy Bell | This dedication was purchased by Gwen Kochman. | ||||
| Delmar (Del) Blackmore | Those we love stay in our hearts forever. - Rosetta, Ed, Becky, Zac | ||||
| Stephen Blucher, 1st Lt | Fly High Dad! - Karen Blucher | ||||
| Timothy S. Bulluck, E-8 | Thank you for your selfless service and unwavering strength. Your dedication inspires me every day. I'm proud of the man you are and grateful for all you do for your country and for our family. I love you deeply and always. Cheers to 21 plus years! - Tanya Bulluck | ||||
| Santo Catanese | In honor of my Father who served in WWII and the Korean War. - Marie Maugans-Coleman | ||||
| Rick Dixon | Dad:Your service to our country is one of the many things I admire about you and the way you live your life. Thank you for being a great example to me of what it means to serve with humility and grace. - Steve Dixon | ||||
| Patrick Otto Felice, E4 Senior Airman | This dedication was purchased by Denise & Tom Glenn. | ||||
| Armand Gutierrez Jr | Wish you were here brother. - Paul Gutierrez | ||||
| Ricky O. Folgate, TSGT | We are proud of your service for our freedom. Love from all of us. - Kathy Folgate | ||||
| Gary Hennes, SMSgt | This dedication was purchased by Gregory Hennes. | ||||
| Ronald L. Hovan, Sgt | This dedication was purchased by Donna Lehane. | ||||
| Jeffery Allen Houk, MSgt | This dedication was purchased by Terri Shippen. | ||||
| Col. James Jabara, Colonel | Honored to pay tribute to the namesake of the Wichita Airport Authority's GA reliever airport, AAO. Col. James Jabara was a triple ace who served in the US Air Force, won several medals and awards, and had a very distinguished career. - Jesse Romo | ||||
| Earl LaVaughn Jensen | Thanks, Dad, for serving. xx - Amy Jensen | ||||
| L. Gene Lehman, Operation Desert Storm | This dedication was purchased by Pat Lehman. | ||||
| Joyce Markley, E-6, Technical Sergeant | Joyce, thank you for everything you have done to protect the freedoms we enjoy in this country. And thank you for everything you do to advance our mission to make south-central Kansas a better place for all. - United Way of the Plains Staff | ||||
| McConnell Air Force Base Members | To all Airmen, past and present, that have served with integrity, care, vigilance, tenacity, distinction, honor, pride, and excellence at McConnell Air Force Base...thank you. People Depend on Us...We'll Be There. DUCEMUS...We Shall Lead! V/R, Col Damon | ||||
| Darrell Kent Minks, Master Sergeant | Thank you for your service and rest in peace brother. - Darren Minks | ||||
| David Murach | Dedicated his entire career to veterans and education-USAF, US Army Reserve, Department of Veterans Affairs, AMVETS, Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs and State of Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs. - Annie Murach | ||||
| Thomas Eugene Pierce | Thank you for your service. I was so blessed when you entered my life. I loved you and one day will be with you again. - Judy Pierce | ||||
| Robert David Ruth, Senior Master Sergeant | Thank you, Grandpa, for a life of service and strength. As a United States Air Force Vietnam Veteran, Andover City Councilman, and former owner of the Timbuktu Bar, you left your mark on both your country and your community. - Jessie Gorges | ||||
| Spencer Patrick Salmans, Captain | We made this donation to United Way of the Plains in honor of our son, Captain Salmans, US AF. - Patrick Salmans | ||||
| Henry George Schmoll Jr, Airman | HG was proud to serve his country during the Korean war. - Jeff Jones | ||||
| Daniel Connor Sloat, Captain | Daniel, thank you for serving our nation with such integrity and honor. We will forever be grateful for your service. God bless you and your growing family! - MaeLauren Hudson | ||||
| Billy D. Williams | We love and miss you Billy. Your service in the United States Air Force was with you for the 50 years of our marriage. Your sons, grandkids, and great grandkids will love you forever. - Lavonta Williams | ||||
| Arlyss Duane Wineinger, First Lieutenant | We are so proud of Duane and his service for our country in WWII. He flew 36 missions over Germany with the same crew. What a hero. We miss you!! - Nicole Jones |
COAST GUARD
| Honoree Full Name | Rank | Vet Name & Rank | Personal Tribute | Donor Full Name | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coast Guard PPC Command in Topeka | Thanks to the 225 "Coasties" serving at the Pay and Personnel Center in Topeka that make sure all Coast Guard military members, retirees, annuitants and other customers are being taken care of and well served. |
SPACE FORCE
| Honoree Full Name | Rank | Vet Name & Rank | Personal Tribute | Donor Full Name | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braden Vining | In honor of the first Kansan to be recruited into the U.S. Space Force, a branch of the military that started in late 2019 to protect the United States interests in space. Ad Astra Per Aspera. |
GENERAL DEDICATIONS
| Honoree Full Name | Rank | Vet Name & Rank | Personal Tribute | Donor Full Name | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unknown Soldier | Thank you for your service. Thank you for protecting America. - Judy Pierce | ||||
| Unknown Soldier | Dedicated to every veteran who sacrificed for our country so others could be safe and our country could be free. - Karmen Lewis | ||||
| Colin Arndt | Proudly honoring your service. - The Law Company | ||||
| Carl Bell | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Art Bernritter | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Randy Blasi | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Bob Bridgmon | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| William Everett Cash | On behalf of SEIU 513, we honor your commitment and service to our country. | ||||
| Gene Collins | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Bob Denny | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Fred Doerflinger | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Brad Ducat | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Louie Farhner | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Warren Geiger | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Mike Herman | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Wendell Jack | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Rich Kerschen | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Bob Knutson | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Ed Law | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Keith Miller | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Mike Minnis | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Scarlett Mora | On behalf of IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee and our membership, we honor your service and sacrifice to our nation. | ||||
| Roger Mulanax | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Kent Pace | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Antonio Perez | On behalf of the members of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 201, Thank you for your service! - Dustin Saville | ||||
| Lloyd Rader | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Brian Siefker | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Hollis Stabler | On behalf of SEIU 513, we honor your commitment and service to our country. | ||||
| Grant Stannard | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Larry Stuart | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Kelly Stillings | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Ray Tronsgard | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| John Walters | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Larry Will | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Terry Winn, Sr. | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company | ||||
| Terry Woolard | Proudly honoring your service. – The Law Company |
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Building & Construction Trades Council of Central and Western Kansas
Dean E. Norris
Employees Learjet Care Fund
Epic Insulation
Foley Equipment
IAM & AW Local lodge 639
Kansas AFL-CIO
The Law Company
Najera Family Fund
Scheels
Service Employees International Union
Sheet Metal Workers #29
SPEEA
Teamsters Local #795
Topeka Federation of Labor
United Teachers of Wichita
If your company is interested in sponsoring Flags of Freedom, contact Mario Cervantes, United Way AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison, at mcervantes@unitedwayplains.org or (316) 267-1321 ext. 4209, or Gwen Kochman, United Way Vice President of Philanthropy, at gkochman@unitedwayplains.org or (316) 267-1321 ext. 4123.
