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. 

PURCHASE A FLAG DEDICATION

Dedicate a flag in honor of a veteran or active-duty service member for $30.
A dedication certificate is displayed on a flag as part of Flags of Freedom.

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. 

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

Vet Name & RankTribute & Donor Name
Adam BellThis dedication was purchased by Gwen Kochman.
Robert J. BerryIn memory of a loving husband, father, and grandfather. - Mary Berry
Vincent David Buffolino, Spec 4 Lietenant from 1967-1970Stationed 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
Lawrence BurkhartServed 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
Norbert DechantIn honor of Norb Dechant who served faithfully in Europe during WWII. We cherish your memory. - Todd & Margaret Dechant
Ron Draper Ron thank you for your service and your continued leadership in our community. - Steve Dixon
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. FriedelIn memory of my step-father. - Sheila Konkel
Jeff Dunbar, SergeantOn behalf of Aerospace Systems & Components, thank you for your service.
Rafael Guereque, Gun Chief, National GuardRafael 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
Dennis Guttierez, SpecialistOn behalf of Aerospace Systems & Components, thank you for your service.
Donald J Hasse, SergeantIn memory of a loving father, son, and uncle. - Brett Dunn
Davion Hill, SergeantOn behalf of Aerospace Systems & Components, thank you for your service.
Betty Kotoriy, 1LTThank 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
Rose Marie Lopez, NurseMy 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 LorenziniThank you for your service to the nation. - Jan Nájera
Leon Jessie Maier, 1st Allied Airborne - Staff SergeantServed in Europe and the Pacific. In memor of Leon Maier. Thank you for your service! - Maier Family
Raymond Massoth, Platoon SergeantIt’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. MattesonThis flag is dedicated in honor of my dad who served in the Philippines during WWII. - Doris Rauhut
Joseph M. MengesIn memory of my grandfather. - Sheila Konkel
Ellis R. McClainIn memory of a loving husband, father, and grandfather. - Mary Berry
Matthew Miller, E4On behalf of Aerospace Systems & Components, thank you for your service.
Frank MurachKS - Annie Murach
Pedro Nájera, Colonel (ret)Thank you for teaching me that there is no higher calling than serving others. - Pete Nájera
Peter F. Nájera, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army, 1987-2007Thank 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
Gerald Pike, Army Air Corp Lieutenant (1942-1945)In memory of Gerald Pike. Thank you for your service, Grandpa! - David Pike Family
Frank Pimentel, CPTTogether, we learned to improvise, adapt and overcome in early lessons that carried us forward to this day. - Pete Nájera
Rob Price, CPTThe Fighting Irish Battalion is proud of your service and grateful for your sacrifices in defense of the nation. - Pete Nájera
Lewis (Bud) Benedict RinkeServed in Korea. In memory of Bud Rinke. Thank you for your service! - Maier Family
Michael Robinson, Sergeant 1st ClassThank you Dad & Grandpa for your service! - Keith & Denice Robinson & family
Raymond Vernon Ross, Sr., PFCWhat a day that will be, Grandpa - Brooklyn Black
Steve Royse II , Sergeant, Army ReserveOn behalf of Great Plains Ventures, thank you for your service.
Tim Rozell, SergeantOn behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service.
Adolph SchambergerServed as a medic driver stationed in the Phillipines. In memory of Adolph Schamberger. Thank you for your service! - Amanda Maier & Burkhart Family
Brian Snell, CPTBuzzards Lead the Way! - Pete Nájera
Charles Robert "Bob" SmithBob 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
Derik Wheeler, CorporalOn behalf of Aerospace Systems & Components, thank you for your service.
John L Yoger, Sergeant MajorIn memory of John Yoger who served overseas during WWII. Thank you for your service, Grandpa! Love & miss you. - Denice Robinson

MARINE CORPS

Vet Name & RankTribute & Donor Name
William R. CrowHe 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, CorporalOn behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service.
Richard FeslerThis dedication was purchased by Jennifer Szambecki.
Robert Dean HarrisHonoring him from all of the family and grandchildren - Patricia Harris
J.E. Kirk, CorporalIn Loving memory of dedicated service as a husband, father, and Marine. - Kim Hubert
Charles LloydIn 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 McKenzieOn behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service.
Mike McWilliamsThis dedication was purchased by Jennifer Szambecki.
Justin MorphisThis dedication was purchased by Jennifer Szambecki.
Aubrey Samuel SummersThis dedication was purchased by Marie Jones.
Mike Van ArsdaleOn behalf of Great Plains Ventures, thank you for your service.

NAVY

Vet Name & RankTribute & Donor Name
Richard Bagg, 3rd Class Petty OfficerOn behalf of Aerospace Systems & Components, thank you for your service.
Michael Doesken, Navy ReserveOn behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service.
Michael Gerber, E3, Navy ReservesOn behalf of Aerospace Systems & Components, thank you for your service.
Brian HardingOn behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service.
Teresa Ann Hendricks, ITCThank you endlessly, mom. We are so proud of you. We love you so much and miss you every day. - Alexandra Hart
Michael O. HughesThank you for your honorable service to your country and to your family. With love- Mollie, Lane, Joley, Shawn, Harry and Simon
Greg MaddoxOn behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service.
Anthony ReedMy 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
Eric SpillmanThis dedication was purchased by Jerrmey Hilton.

AIR FORCE

Vet Name & RankTribute & Donor Name
Tommy BellThis dedication is purchased by Gwen Kochman.
Rick DixonThank you for your service Dad, your leadership continues to inspire me. - Steve Dixon
John EvansIn 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
Ronnie Gillman, Technical Sergeant
Sylvanius Gillman
Ron GilmoreOn behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service.
Armand A Gutierrez JrThis dedication was purchased by Paul Gutierrez.
Loralie HodgesThis 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
Robert N McClaryIn 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 McCrearyOn behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service.
John MorphisThis dedication was purchased by Jennifer Szambecki.
David MurachKS - Annie Murach
Robert D. Ruth, Chief Master Sergeant This dedication was purchased by Jessie Gorges-Sawhill.

COAST GUARD

Vet Name & RankTribute & 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 McKenzieOn behalf of Great Plains Industries, thank you for your service.

SPACE FORCE

Vet Name & RankTribute & 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 & RankTribute & Donor Name
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
All Service MembersIn Honor of all dedicated services members. - Bradley Dyer, Jr.

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.

Floyd Construction Corporation logo.
IAM District Lodge #70 logo.
Image of the Kansas Star Casino logo.
6 Meridian logo.
An image of the Law Company logo.
United Teachers of Wichita logo.
Nájera Family Fund
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union #441
Teamsters Local #795

AdVenutres of Kansas

Foley Equipment

Great Plains Ventures