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 is invited to participate by dedicating a flag in honor or memory of a veteran, visit the flags, and attending the dedication ceremony. Proceeds from flag dedications benefit support services like Veterans Ride Free, an initiative from United Way, the Dole VA Medical Center, and City of Wichita to help local veterans thrive by providing free rides on Wichita Transit to access employment, medical care, groceries, and more.
Special thanks to IAM & AW District Lodge #70 for co-hosting this initiative with United Way of the Plains.Â
PURCHASE A FLAG DEDICATION
Dedicate a flag in honor of a veteran or active-duty service member for $30.
For a $30 donation, you’ll receive…
- A certificate marking your flag at the field of flags.
- A personal tribute published below as part of our online dedication wall. Tributes include your honoree’s name, branch of service, and a short, personal tribute. The online dedication wall (below) is updated every Tuesday and Friday through Memorial Day, and will stay published through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2026.
- An acknowledgement email will be sent to your honoree or the contact of your choice, informing them of your tribute.
- the satisfaction of knowing your gift is helping veterans in our community thrive by supporting programs like Veterans Ride Free, which eliminates transportation barriers and ensures veterans have access to employment, jobs, medical care, groceries, and more through free rides on Wichita Transit.
Complete the form to purchase your dedication by Monday, May 25, 2026.
VISIT THE FLAGS
“Flags of Freedom” is a grand, two-week display of 600 American flags. Flags will be displayed in the field at IAM District Lodge #70, located at 3830 S. Meridian Ave. (I-235 and S. Meridian Ave.) Visit the field of flags any time of day between Monday, May 11, and Memorial Day, Monday, May 25.
Share your experience
Post about your experience at the field of flags on social media. Be sure to tag United Way of the Plains and use the hashtag #FlagsofFreedom. United Way of the Plains can be found on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok using @unitedwayplains.
DEDICATION CEREMONY
Mark your calendar to attend this year’s dedication ceremony to commemorate and celebrate the service of veterans. The ceremony will include the posting of colors, musical selections, and remarks by local officials and union representatives. Lunch will be available.
Saturday, May 16, 2026
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
IAM District Lodge #70, 3830 S. Meridian Ave.
Program will be hosted outside at the field of flags. In the event of inclement weather, it will be moved inside the lodge.Â
VETERAN DEDICATION WALL
 Dedications are organized by area of service, alpha order by last name. Â
JUMP TO A SECTION: Army | Marine Corps | Navy | Air Force |  Coast Guard | Space Force | General
ARMY
| Vet Name & Rank | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|
| Loyd Edson Arbuckle, Tech 2 | This dedication was purchaed by Barry Arbuckle. |
| Brennan Bailey, National Guard | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Norman Beliz, National Guard | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Adam Bell | This dedication was purchased by Gwen Kochman. |
| Robert J. Berry | In memory of a loving husband, father, and grandfather. - Mary Berry |
| David Bosarge, Army National Guard | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Vincent David Buffolino, Spec 4 Lietenant from 1967-1970 | Stationed in Berlin, Germany during the Vietnam War. Served admirably in Berlin for 3 years. He became the base’s (Berlin Golf & Country Club) assistant golf professional, giving golf instruction to many of his fellow troops stationed there. During his career, he gave instruction and played golf with several quasi-celebrities while the assistant pro there, including Eddie Lowery (Eddie caddied for Francis Ouimet who became the youngest ever U.S. Open Champion in 1913 at age 20 at The Country Club in Brookline, MA). Thank you for your service! - Josh Buffolino Family |
| Dennis Ray Busher | Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I miss you more with every day that passes. I love you, brother. It's not the same without you. - Michael Busher |
| Lawrence Burkhart | Served as a ship medic in the Pacific. In memory of Lawrence Burkhart. Thank you for your service! - Amanda Maier & Burkhart Family |
| Phil Caterina, CSM (ret) | Dawgs on Guard, Bad to the Bone! - Pete Nájera |
| Kenneth Earl Cooper | Thank you for your commitment to your country, your family, and all your friends and loved ones. You are amazing beyond words , and we are so grateful for you! - Kendra Cooper |
| Norbert Dechant | In honor of Norb Dechant who served faithfully in Europe during WWII. We cherish your memory. - Todd & Margaret Dechant |
| George R. Dodds, Staff Sergeant | This dedication was purchased by Brie Truckenmiller. |
| Roy Dodds | This dedication was purchased by Brie Truckenmiller. |
| Ron Draper | Ron thank you for your service and your continued leadership in our community. - Steve Dixon |
| Kaitlin Feagins, National Guard Staff Sergent, E6 | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| James Favreau, CSM (ret) | Love you, Dad! Thank you for being forward deployed for so many years in defense of our nation. - Jan Nájera |
| Leonard F. Friedel | In memory of my step-father. - Sheila Konkel |
| Jeff Dunbar, Sergeant | On behalf of Aerospace Systems & Components, thank you for your service. |
| Rafael Guereque, Gun Chief, National Guard | Rafael is graduating from Wichita State with his bachelor's degree this year, and he'll move on to graduate school. He's been a tremendous student & campus leader, not even missing a beat while he was deployed overseas for a full year. - Bobby Gandu |
| Jim Garrison, COL (ret) | Commanding troops or leading in the White House, you always made sure we succeeded under any condition. - Nájera Family Fund |
| Lewis Haney | We love you and miss you and we are grateful for your service. - Susan Haney |
| Nick Hoegler | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Wayne E Gunkel, PFC | In memory of our father and his service to our country during WWII. - Denise & Larry Gunkel |
| Dennis Guttierez, Specialist | On behalf of Aerospace Systems & Components, thank you for your service. |
| Donald J Hasse, Sergeant | In memory of a loving father, son, and uncle. - Brett Dunn |
| Davion Hill, Sergeant | On behalf of Aerospace Systems & Components, thank you for your service. |
| Walter R Kelly, 1Lieutenant | In honor and memory of my grandfather who served our country in Italy in the 757th Tank Battalion from 1941-1945. Your service made a difference and will never be forgotten. - Kimberly Bryant |
| Betty Kotoriy, 1LT | Thank you for your "sustained, just, and honorable support to the country, the army, and the military police regiment!" - Nájera Family Fund |
| Giovanni Kotoriy, LTC (ret) | Toujours Pret! Always Ready, Second to None. - Nájera Family Fund |
| Steve Lin, Major | Thank you to the coolest cousin I've ever had; your West Point cadet photo gave me endless street cred when I was in middle school. We love you! Niles family |
| Rose Marie Lopez, Nurse | My grandmother is a brave woman who enlisted in the army during a time that many women did not serve in the military. She served this country as a nurse in the army and her service took her all over the world. Very proud of her and her accomplishments. - Jenni & Matthew Heartfield |
| Hans Lorenzini | Thank you for your service to the nation. - Jan Nájera |
| Leon Jessie Maier, 1st Allied Airborne - Staff Sergeant | Served in Europe and the Pacific. In memor of Leon Maier. Thank you for your service! - Maier Family |
| William J. Maley, SGT | Thank you for your sacrifices and all that you did. You deserve more than what you have received. We are proud of you and we love you, Your Family |
| Raymond Massoth, Platoon Sergeant | It’s very rewarding to know that by honoring my grandfather with a Flags of Freedom dedication, I’m also helping veterans in our community. I think he would be proud. - Michele Grimm |
| Roscoe R. Matteson | This flag is dedicated in honor of my dad who served in the Philippines during WWII. - Doris Rauhut |
| Joseph M. Menges | In memory of my grandfather. - Sheila Konkel |
| Matthew Miller, E4 | On behalf of Aerospace Systems & Components, thank you for your service. |
| Scott McKinney, Army National Guard | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Ellis R. McClain | In memory of a loving husband, father, and grandfather. - Mary Berry |
| John W Monk, Master Sergeant | His service was one of his proudest moments. #WWII #KoreanWar #Vietnam, he saw them all! Valencia Monk-Morgan |
| Frank Murach | KS - Annie Murach |
| Trenton Moore | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Jason Mowery | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Janette Najera | Jan, thank you for your service to our country and for your amazing friendship too. Love, Jean |
| Pedro Nájera, Colonel (ret) | Thank you for teaching me that there is no higher calling than serving others. - Pete Nájera |
| Pete Najera, LTC | Pete, thank you for your many years of military service in the U.S. and abroad, as well as your commitment to serving the people of Wichita and the surrounding area as CEO of United Way of the Plains. Go Army! Jim |
| Peter F. Nájera, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, 1987-2007 | Thank you for your service to our country and for championing a vision where every person in our community has the opportunity to thrive. — United Way of the Plains Staff |
| Peter Najera | Thank you for your service, your leadership, and above all, for truly caring about our community and our country. God didn't make many but I'm sure glad he made you! - Sue Tirukonda |
| Kysen Osburn | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Gerald Pike, Army Air Corp Lieutenant (1942-1945) | In memory of Gerald Pike. Thank you for your service, Grandpa! - David Pike Family |
| Frank Pimentel, CPT | Together, we learned to improvise, adapt and overcome in early lessons that carried us forward to this day. - Pete Nájera |
| Rob Price, CPT | The Fighting Irish Battalion is proud of your service and grateful for your sacrifices in defense of the nation. - Pete Nájera |
| Trevor Reynolds, Air National Guard | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Lewis (Bud) Benedict Rinke | Served in Korea. In memory of Bud Rinke. Thank you for your service! - Maier Family |
| Michael Robinson, Sergeant 1st Class | Thank you Dad & Grandpa for your service! - Keith & Denice Robinson & family |
| Raymond Vernon Ross, Sr., PFC | What a day that will be, Grandpa - Brooklyn Black |
| Steve Royse II , Sergeant, Army Reserve | On behalf of Great Plains Ventures, thank you for your service. |
| Tim Rozell, Sergeant | On behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service. |
| Michael W. Smirh | My younger brother Mike proudly and honorably served our country for over 25 years. An Army Ranger he served in Operation Iraqi freedom and was in the National guard until his death May 2026. Thank you Spike, love you and miss you brother. - Jeff Nash |
| Adolph Schamberger | Served as a medic driver stationed in the Phillipines. In memory of Adolph Schamberger. Thank you for your service! - Amanda Maier & Burkhart Family |
| Michael W. Smirh | RIP brother. Thank you for your service. - Lynn Nash |
| Brian Snell, CPT | Buzzards Lead the Way! - Pete Nájera |
| E Deveney S Wall, LTC | Congratulations on your assignment as Commander of the 324th MP Battalion. Thank you for your service to our country. We are very proud of you. - Denise & Larry Gunkel |
| 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. |
| Ralph Stingo, Sergeant | In honor of my Papa, Ralph Stingo, who faithfully served his country in the Korean war. We love you & miss you so much. - Olivia Pauly & Stingo Family |
| John Thurman, Captain | "I want an officer for a secret and dangerous mission. I want a West Point football player." - General George C. MarshallJohn, thank you for all you've done for our country and your community! The Niles family loves you. |
| Phil Wittmer | KS - Jennifer Szambecki |
| Derik Wheeler, Corporal | On behalf of Aerospace Systems & Components, thank you for your service. |
| John L Yoger, Sergeant Major | In memory of John Yoger who served overseas during WWII. Thank you for your service, Grandpa! Love & miss you. - Denice Robinson |
MARINE CORPS
| Vet Name & Rank | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|
| William R. Crow | He joined the United States Marine Corps while still a young teenager and fought with the 1st Division in WWII, where he saw action as a communications runner and fought in the Battle of Peleliu. Bill returned to combat to serve his country again in the Korean War, this time surviving the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. In memory of Bill Crow. Thank you for my freedom and for your service Grampy! - David Pike Family |
| Pascual Espinozoa, Corporal | On behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service. |
| Richard Fesler | This dedication was purchased by Jennifer Szambecki. |
| Richard L. Fesler, Sergeant | This dedication was purchased by Elizabeth Unruh. |
| Jimmy L Goodell, LCpl | In memory of our cousin who served our country and sacrificed his life too young, aged 21, in Vietnam. May he rest in peace always and never be forgotten. - Denise & Larry Gunkel |
| Robert Dean Harris | Honoring him from all of the family and grandchildren - Patricia Harris |
| J.E. Kirk, Corporal | In Loving memory of dedicated service as a husband, father, and Marine. - Kim Hubert |
| Michael Martinez | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Charles Lloyd | In honor of my bonus dad, whose steady support, generosity, and love have meant so much to me. Thank you for the many ways you show up and for the example you set every day. - Kara Hunt |
| Scott McKenzie | On behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service. |
| Mike McWilliams | This dedication was purchased by Jennifer Szambecki. |
| David Miller | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Justin Morphis | This dedication was purchased by Jennifer Szambecki. |
| Mitch Roberson | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Nathaniel Franklin Ordway, CPL | In memory of my former kindergarten student. Freedom is not free. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice to this great nation. - Jill Morgan |
| Aubrey Samuel Summers | This dedication was purchased by Marie Jones. |
| Randy Westerhoff | This flag is dedicated to my Dad, a U.S. Marine who served in the Vietnam War. I am incredibly proud of his dedication to our country and thank him for his bravery, service, and selfless sacrifice. - Kathryn Evans |
| Mike Van Arsdale | On behalf of Great Plains Ventures, thank you for your service. |
NAVY
| Vet Name & Rank | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|
| Richard Bagg, 3rd Class Petty Officer | On behalf of Aerospace Systems & Components, thank you for your service. |
| David D. Baggett | My dad David Baggett died as a result of the Vietnam War, after the war. They won't put him on the Vietnam Veterans wall because he didn't die during the war. He gave his like for our freedom - I love you - your daughter Debbie. - Debbie Hollis |
| Fred Frazier, PN2 | We love you and we miss you. We are grateful for your service. - Susan Haney |
| Michael Doesken, Navy Reserve | On behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service. |
| Michael Gerber, E3, Navy Reserves | On behalf of Aerospace Systems & Components, thank you for your service. |
| Brian Harding | On behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service. |
| Teresa Ann Hendricks, ITC | Thank you endlessly, mom. We are so proud of you. We love you so much and miss you every day. - Alexandra Hart |
| Michael O. Hughes | Thank you for your honorable service to your country and to your family. With love- Mollie, Lane, Joley, Shawn, Harry and Simon |
| Greg Maddox | On behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service. |
| Stephen Mehringer | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Anthony Reed | My dad left his small hometown to join the Navy, his service allowed for me and my mom to have the opportunity to live in other places and put our family in a position to venture outside of that small town. Thanks dad! - Jenni & Matthew Heartfield |
| James Lee Shattuck, Petty Officer Third Class (PO3) | In memory of Pop-Pop: Patriot, loving father, grandfather, husband, friend to many, and U.S. Navy veteran. He never missed a chance to thank a fellow vet with a smile, a handshake, or kind words to make them feel like the hero they are. I love you, man. - Joe Shattuck |
| Eric Romereim, Aerographer's Mate 3rd Class | When Eric was in the service, I excitedly told my friends at school that one of my big brothers was in the Navy. Then, as now, I am proud to be your sister! - Nancy Reeves |
| Tim Wright | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Eric Spillman | This dedication was purchased by Jerrmey Hilton. |
AIR FORCE
| Vet Name & Rank | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|
| Tommy Bell | This dedication is purchased by Gwen Kochman. |
| James Elwood Bradley, Lt. Colonel | Thank you for your service, dad. I'm grateful you served at a time when this country had a Commander in Chief who actually gave a crap about the United States and the members of its military. - Scott Bradley |
| Sander Brunnelson | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Timothy Bulluck, Senior Master Sergeant | In honor of Senior Master Sergeant Timothy Bulluck, proudly serving 22 years in the United States Air Force. Thank you for your sacrifice, dedication, and commitment to our country and our family. We are forever proud of your service. Love you, T2 |
| Christopher Lee Carmichael, O-6 Colonel | Our Nation and territories are grateful for your service to our country; advocacy for soldiers, union membership, and healthy families. We wish you success in your campaign to serve and Rep. the 4th Congressional Dist. - Emily Stone |
| Alex Davis | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Carson Crain | In honor of the men and women to give of themselves to keep us safe. - Courtney Sendall |
| Rick Dixon | Thank you for your service Dad, your leadership continues to inspire me. - Steve Dixon |
| Ricky O Folgate , E6 | This dedication was purchased by Kathy Folgate. |
| Mike Gargano | KS - Jennifer Szambecki |
| John Evans | In honor of my dad, whose quiet strength, generosity, and love for others inspire me every day. Thank you for showing me what it means to serve and give back. - Kara Hunt |
| Thomas E. Gillen, Colonel | POW/MIA 2-18-70 LaosGone but not forgotten. - Shaun Gillen |
| Ronnie Gillman, Technical Sergeant | |
| Sylvanius Gillman | |
| Ron Gilmore | On behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service. |
| Armand A Gutierrez Jr | This dedication was purchased by Paul Gutierrez. |
| Loralie Hodges | This dedication was purchased by Karen Hodges. |
| Thomas Leroy Kruger | In loving memory of our Papa - Vietnam veteran, devoted husband to Nana, proud father, Papa, and great-grandpa. Your laughter, stories, and unwavering love shaped generations. We honor your service, your strength, and your enduring legacy. Miss you always. - Bethanie Francis |
| Darrell Kent Minks, Master Sergeant | In honor and memory of my brother with heartfelt thanks for your service. - Darren Minks |
| Robert N McClary | In honor and dedication to our hero, who gave his time unselfishly, to protect the values and freedom of the United States of America for 22 years. Love, your daughters, Doreen and Maureen |
| Mark McCreary | On behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service. |
| John Morphis | This dedication was purchased by Jennifer Szambecki. |
| David Murach | KS - Annie Murach |
| Ignacio "Knox" Navarro | Dad, The thing I miss most & loved was the stories you would share of your time stationed in the Aleutian islands & how you loved living in Alaska during that time of service. Coming from Kansas growing up in a box car. I will cherish 4 ever. Love you! - Mario Navarro |
| Ernest Gerald Nordberg, Sergeant | I am so proud of your service in the USA Air Force. - Valerie Nordberg |
| Gerald L Ogden, MSGT | In memory of our father and his service to our country during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. May he rest in peace. - Denise & Larry Gunkel |
| Aaron Waller | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Billy D. Williams | Billy we will always thank and love you for your service. You are a person who never met a stranger. Love You Always. Your Sons, Grandkids and Great Grandkids & Wife - Lavonta |
| Robert D. Ruth, Chief Master Sergeant | This dedication was purchased by Jessie Gorges-Sawhill. |
COAST GUARD
| Vet Name & Rank | 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. |
| Scott McKenzie | On behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service. |
SPACE FORCE
| Vet Name & Rank | 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
| Vet Name & Rank | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|
| Rick Ammon | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Brent Kappler | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| Jamie Murphy | It’s an honor to recognize your service! Thank you for your dedication to our country. We are grateful for your commitment and proud to have you on our team! - Equity Bank |
| All Service Members | In Honor of all dedicated services members. - Bradley Dyer, Jr. |
| Every Service Member | I'm grateful for every service member who has sacrificed to protect our country. Their service will never be forgotten. - Karmen Lewis |
| MKEC Veteran Employees | MKEC wishes to dedicate this tribute in honor of our veteran employees. |
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
If your company is interested in sponsoring Flags of Freedom, contact Brooklyn Black, United Way of the Plains Associate Director of Philanthropy, at bblack@unitedwayplains.org or (316) 267-1321, ext. 4127.
Equity Bank
Nájera Family Fund
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union #441
Teamsters Local #795
AdVenutres of Kansas
Foley Equipment
Great Plains Ventures
MKEC Engineering Inc.
