Flags of Freedom
Honor, celebrate and remember veterans this Memorial Day with your United Way.
Flags of Freedom is a grand, two-week display of 600 American flags. The community is invited to participate by purchasing dedications in honor or memory of a veteran in their life. Proceeds will support United Way programs that benefit veterans, including Veterans Ride Free. Dedications will be published on this page through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2023.
Special thanks to IAM & AW District Lodge #70 for co-hosting this initiative with United Way of the Plains.
PURCHASE A DEDICATION
Purchase a dedication in honor or memory of a service member for $30.
Dedications, including the veteran’s name, branch of service, rank and a short, personal tribute will be listed below on this webpage (updated every Tuesday and Friday). An acknowledgment email will be sent to the service member or contact of your choice, if you choose. Dedications will be published through Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2023.
Your $30 donation provides a local veteran with 17 free rides on Wichita Transit bus or Q-Line through the Veterans Ride Free program. United Way works with partners who also provide mental health care and other wrap around services for those who have served our country so faithfully.
Purchase your dedication by Tuesday, May 30, 2023.
After purchasing a dedication, you will receive a receipt email from email@unitedwayplains.org. Check your junk/spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox. If you do not receive a receipt and would like one, please contact Kindra Goertzen at kgoertzen@unitedwayplains.org.
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 15, and Memorial Day, Monday, May 29.
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, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok using @unitedwayplains.
ATTEND THE EVENT
United Way of the Plains and IAM District Lodge #70 invite you to attend this year’s Flags of Freedom dedication event to commemorate and celebrate the service of veterans.
Saturday, May 20, 2023
2 – 2:30 pm.
IAM District Lodge #70, 3830 S. Meridian Ave.
The program includes posting of the colors, musical selections and remarks by community officials. It will be hosted outside at the field of flags. In the event of inclement weather, the program will held in the union hall.
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 DEDICATIONS
- All IAM & AW LL639 Veterans
Thank you for your service. – IAM & AW LL639 - All our military heroes
This dedication was purchased by Jodi Noah. - Brad Hensen, Air National Guard
This dedication was purchased by IAM & AW LL639. - Rodney Nobles
This dedication was purchased by the IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee. - Shocker Veterans
Thanks to all the Wichita State students, alumni, faculty and staff who have bravely served in all branches of the US Military. Cheers to them for their dedication to their country and democracy. – Bobby Gandu - Unknown Soldier
In appreciation to the soldiers who gave their lives for us. – Judith Pierce
ARMY
| Honoree Full Name | Rank | Vet Name & Rank | Personal Tribute | Donor Full Name | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Army Veterans in Kansas | Army Veterans in Kansas | I served with hundreds of great veterans over the years in Topeka, Lawrence, and Ft Leavenworth. Thank you for your selfless service and for representing Kansas so honorably in our nation's ranks. 'Ad Astra Per Aspera' | Pedro Najera | I served with hundreds of great veterans over the years in Topeka, Lawrence, and Ft Leavenworth. Thank you for your selfless service and for representing Kansas so honorably in our nation's ranks. 'Ad Astra Per Aspera' - Pedro Najera | |
| Long Lee Alcorn | Private first class | Long Lee Alcorn, Private First Class | To our mother and all her sacrifices for her country and family. | Sarah Medlam | To our mother and all her sacrifices for her country and family. - Sarah Medlam |
| Adam Bell | Adam Bell | Gwen Kochman | This dedication was purchased by Gwen Kochman. | ||
| Anthony W Bellis | Anthony W. Bellis | Thank you for your service! | Jackie Gearhart | Thank you for your service! - Jackie Gearhart | |
| Oscar Bennett | Oscar Bennett | Lori Love | This dedication was purchased by Lori Love. | ||
| Robert F. Bennett | Corporal, 75th Medical Battalion, 5th Armored Division | Robert F. Bennett, Corporal, 75th Medical Battalion, 5th Armored Division | Nancy Oldfather | This dedication was purchased by Nancy Oldfather. | |
| Carl Brewer | Captain | Carl Brewer, Captain | This dedication was made by the Service Employees International Union Local No. 513. | Service Employees International Union Local No. 513 | This dedication was made by the Service Employees International Union Local No. 513. |
| Vincent David Buffolino | Spec 4 Lietenant from 1967-1970 | 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 | 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 |
| Lawrence Burkhart | Lawrence Burkhart | Served as a ship medic in the Pacific. In memory of Lawrence Burkhart. Thank you for your service! | Amanda Maier & Burkhart Family | Served as a ship medic in the Pacific. In memory of Lawrence Burkhart. Thank you for your service! - Amanda Maier & Burkhart Family | |
| Refugio "Ray" Cervantes | SFC - Company D42 Tank Battalion, Combat Command “A” 11th Armored Division Battle of the Bulge – WWII / Korean War | Refugio "Ray" Cervantes, SFC - Company D42 Tank Battalion, Combat Command “A” 11th Armored Division Battle of the Bulge – WWII / Korean War | We remember and honor the service of our father and grandfather Refugio Cervantes, and all veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much. Your Loving Family. | Your Loving Family, Mario & Kim Cervantes | We remember and honor the service of our father and grandfather Refugio Cervantes, and all veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much. - Your Loving Family, Mario & Kim Cervantes |
| Stanley Galen Chapman Jr. | Stanley Galen Chapman Jr. | We honor our son for his service to our country. You are a great husband and father, God Bless you, we love you mom & dad, thank you. | Stanley and Monica Chapman | We honor our son for his service to our country. You are a great husband and father, God Bless you, we love you mom & dad, thank you. - Stanley and Monica Chapman | |
| Norbert Dechant | Norbert Dechant | In honor of Norb Dechant who served faithfully in Europe during WWII. We cherish your memory. | Todd & Margaret Dechant | In honor of Norb Dechant who served faithfully in Europe during WWII. We cherish your memory. - Todd & Margaret Dechant | |
| Adam Dickmyer | Staff Sergeant | Adam Dickmyer, Staff Sergeant | KIA Kandahar Province, Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) October 28, 2010. Never forgotten. | Brent Lewis and Sarah Lopez | KIA Kandahar Province, Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) October 28, 2010. Never forgotten. - Brent Lewis and Sarah Lopez |
| Ron Draper | Ron Draper | Stephen Dixon | This dedication was purchased by Stephen Dixon. | ||
| Albert Daniel Edwards | Albert Daniel Edwards | Amanda Schmutz | This dedication was purchased by Amanda Schmutz. | ||
| James Favreau | James Favreau, CSM | For my father, James, who spent three decades around the world protecting our democracy including a tour behind the iron curtain in US-occupied Berlin. | Jan Najera | For my father, James, who spent three decades around the world protecting our democracy, including a tour behind the iron curtain in US-occupied Berlin. - Jan Najera | |
| Leonard F. Friedel | Leonard F. Friedel | In loving memory of my step-dad. | Sheila Konkel | In loving memory of my step-dad. - Sheila Konkel | |
| Mark Ryan Gerbrand | Staff Sergeant | Mark Ryan Gerbrand, Staff Sergeant | Kristine Alvarez | This dedication was purchased by Kristine Alvarez. | |
| Jim E. Gardner | Jim E. Gardner | Elisha Satterfield | This dedication was purchased by Elisha Satterfield. | ||
| Lou Gomez Sr. | Lou Gomez Sr. | Annie Murach | This dedication was purchase by Annie Murach. | ||
| Johnny Gonzales | Johnny Gonzales | Thankful to my Dad, grandfather to my kids, for your time in the service. Freedom has never been free. | Bob Gonzales | Thankful to my Dad, grandfather to my kids, for your time in the service. Freedom has never been free. - Bob Gonzales and Family. Luv 2 U | |
| Danny Gutierrez | Danny Gutierrez | Dee Gutierrez thank you for our freedom. Love you. | Delia Gutierrez | Dee Gutierrez thank you for our freedom. Love you. - Delia Gutierrez | |
| Christopher Hake | Staff Sergeant | Christopher Hake, Staff Sergeant | KIA Baghdad, Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) on March 26, 2008. Never forgotten. | Brent Lewis and Sarah Lopez | KIA Baghdad, Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) on March 26, 2008. Never forgotten. - Brent Lewis and Sarah Lopez |
| Karl V. Hesser | Karl V. Hesser | Served during the Vietnam War. Thank you for your service! | Sam & Tracy Cochran & Hesser Family | Served during the Vietnam War. Thank you for your service! - Sam & Tracy Cochran & Hesser Family | |
| Norman N. Hesser | Corp of Engineers Sergeant | Norman N. Hesser, Corp of Engineers Sergeant | Served in WWII and Korean War, Germany and Italy. Thank you for your service! | Sam & Tracy Cochran & Hesser Family | Served in WWII and Korean War, Germany and Italy. Thank you for your service! - Sam & Tracy Cochran & Hesser Family |
| William E. Hesser | Special Forces Green Beret | William E. Hesser, Special Forces Green Beret | Served in several countries across Europe. Thank you for your service! | Sam & Tracy Cochran & Hesser Family | Served in several countries across Europe. Thank you for your service! - Sam & Tracy Cochran & Hesser Family |
| Raymond F. Haneke | Raymond F. Haneke | In honor of my Grandpa Haneke for his service in WWII. We love and miss you! | Amy Hawley | In honor of my Grandpa Haneke for his service in WWII. We love and miss you! - Amy Hawley | |
| James Earl Heskett | Special 5 | James Earl Heskett, Special 5 | Killed in Viet Nam, 1-07-1968 | Mel and Darnell Holopirek | Killed in Viet Nam, 1-07-1968. - Mel and Darnell Holopirek |
| Edgar A. Hawley | Edgar A. Hawley | In honor of my Grandpa Hawley, thank you for your service in WWII and the War of Occupation. | Amy Hawley | In honor of my Grandpa Hawley, thank you for your service in WWII and the War of Occupation. - Amy Hawley | |
| Andrew B Heimerman | Private First Class | Andrew B Heimerman, Private First Class | In honor of my grandpa, bronze star recipient, for his heroic service in WWII. Forever our hero, forever remembered, forever loved. | Sarah Andrews | In honor of my grandpa, bronze star recipient, for his heroic service in WWII. Forever our hero, forever remembered, forever loved. - Sarah Andrews |
| Chaplain Emil Kapaun | Chaplain Emil Kapaun | Paul Babich | This dedication was purchased by Paul Babich. | ||
| Donald Gene Hoges | Donald Gene Hoges | Always in our hearts. | Donna Mills-Bird | Always in our hearts. - Donna Mills-Bird | |
| Andrew Hovan | Andrew Hovan | Donna Lehane | This dedication was purchased by Donna Lehane. | ||
| S.F. Hovan | S.F. Hovan | Donna Lehane | This dedication was purchased by Donna Lehane. | ||
| Jack Ellis Howard | Jack Ellis Howard | Lori Love | This dedication was purchased by Lori Love. | ||
| Jack Michael Howard | Jack Michael Howard | Lori Love | This dedication was purchased by Lori Love. | ||
| Lynn Jones | Lynn Jones | IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee | This dedication was purchased by the IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee. | ||
| Gary King | Gary King | Sherri Hamilton | This dedication was purchased by Sherri Hamilton. | ||
| Jolly Leggett | Jolly Leggett | Craig Anderson | This dedication was purchased by Craig Anderson. | ||
| Oliver Ligons, Sr. | Oliver Ligons, Sr. | I.A.M. District #70 Retirees Club | This dedication was purchased by the I.A.M. District #70 Retirees Club. | ||
| Leon Jessie Maier | 1st Allied Airborne - Staff Sergeant | Leon Jessie Maier, 1st Allied Airborne - Staff Sergeant | Served in Europe and the Pacific. In memory of Leon Maier. Thank you for your service! | Maier Family | Served in Europe and the Pacific. In memory of Leon Maier. Thank you for your service! - Maier Family |
| Tom Martinez | Tom Martinez | Stephen Dixon | This dedication was purchased by Stephen Dixon. | ||
| James Marvin Sr. | James Marvin Sr. | IAM & AW Local Lodge #829 Community Services Commitee | This dedication was purchased by the IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee. | ||
| Clyde Roger Mattingly | Clyde Roger Mattingly | Kristine Alvarez | This dedication was purchased by Kristine Alvarez. | ||
| Cliff McAllister | Cliff McAllister | In Loving memory of my father and to honor his service to our country, thank you Dad. | Monica Chapman, Stan Chapman, Daughter | In Loving memory of my father and to honor his service to our country, thank you Dad. - Monica Chapman (Daughter) and Stan Chapman | |
| Joseph R. McAllister | Joseph R. McAllister | Missing you and in your honor, Grandpa! | Shelby Reed | Missing you and in your honor, Grandpa! - Shelby Reed | |
| Mike McDonald | Mike McDonald | Paul Babich | This dedication was purchased by Paul Babich. | ||
| Joseph M. Menges | Joseph M. Menges | In loving memory of my grandfather. | Sheila Konkel | In loving memory of my grandfather. - Sheila Konkel | |
| Lonnie T. Moore | Lonnie T. Moore | I.A.M. District #70 Retirees Club | Thid dedication was purchased by the I.A.M. District #70 Retirees Club. | ||
| Frank Murach | Frank Murach | Annie Murach | This dedication was purchased by Annie Murach. | ||
| Janette Najera | Janette Najera | Thank you for your service to our country and your very special friendship too! You're the best! | Jean Berberet | Thank you for your service to our country and your very special friendship too! You're the best! - Jean Berberet | |
| Pedro Najera | Colonel | Pedro Najera, Colonel | Thanks, Dad, for your 31 years of selfless service to the nation including multiple tours in Korea and Vietnam. #FreedomIsNotFree | Pete Najera | Thanks, Dad, for your 31 years of selfless service to the nation including multiple tours in Korea and Vietnam. #FreedomIsNotFree - Pete Najera |
| Pete Najera | Pete Najera | Thank you for your service! All the best. | Jim Berberet | Thank you for your service! All the best. - Jim Berberet | |
| Pete Najera | Pete Najera | Stephen Dixon | This dedication was purchased by Stephen Dixon. | ||
| Clifford Nicks | Clifford Nicks | IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee | This dedication was purchased by the IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee. | ||
| Gerald Pike | Lieutenant (1942-1945) | Gerald Pike, Lieutenant (1942-1945) | In memory of Gerald Pike. Thank you for your service, Grandpa! | David Pike Family | In memory of Gerald Pike. Thank you for your service, Grandpa! - David Pike Family |
| Lewis (Bud) Benedict Rinke | Lewis (Bud) Benedict Rinke | Served in Korea. In memory of Bud Rinke. Thank you for your service! | Maier Family | Served in Korea. In memory of Bud Rinke. Thank you for your service! - Maier Family | |
| Adolph Schamberger | Adolph Schamberger | Served as a medic driver stationed in the Philippines. In memory of Adolph Schamberger. Thank you for your service! | Amanda Maier & Burkhart Family | Served as a medic driver stationed in the Philippines. In memory of Adolph Schamberger. Thank you for your service! - Amanda Maier & Burkhart Family | |
| Michael Robinson | Sergeant 1st Class | Michael Robinson, Sergeant 1st Class | Thank you Dad & Grandpa for your service! | Keith & Denice Robinson & family | Thank you Dad & Grandpa for your service! - Keith & Denice Robinson & family |
| Juwan Peart | Juwan Peart | To the hero I gave birth to. | Teressa Peart | To the hero I gave birth to. - Teressa Peart | |
| Ernest O. Rogers | Ernest O. Rogers, Private First Class WWII | On this Memorial Day we remember and honor the service of our father and grandfather Earnest Ola Rogers, and all veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free. Your Loving Family | Mario & Kim Cervantes | On this Memorial Day we remember and honor the service of our father and grandfather Ernest Ola Rogers, and all veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free. Your Loving Family - Mario & Kim Cervantes | |
| Raymond Vernon Ross, Sr | Private First Class | Raymond Vernon Ross, Sr, Private First Class | Ray served as a medical corpsman in France, Belgium, England and Germany during World War II. Thank you for all you did! What a day that will be, Grandpa! | Brooklyn Black | Ray served as a medical corpsman in France, Belgium, England and Germany during World War II. Thank you for all you did! What a day that will be, Grandpa! - Brooklyn Black |
| Harold F Schauf | Harold F Schauf | Thanks to my husband for his service to our country. | Doris Schauf | Thanks to my husband for his service to our country. - Doris Schauf | |
| Paul E. Sears | Paul E. Sears | IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee | This dedication was purchased by the IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee. | ||
| John Sloat Sr | John Sloat Sr | Thank you for your service, G-Pa! | MaeLauren Hudson | Thank you for your service, G-Pa! - MaeLauren Hudson | |
| Charles Robert "Bob" Smith | 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. | 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. | ||
| David Smith | David Smith | IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee | This dedication was purchased by the IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee. | ||
| John L Yoger | Sergeant Major | 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 | In memory of John Yoger who served overseas during WWII. Thank you for your service, Grandpa! Love & miss you. - Denice Robinson |
| Raymond Stewart | Raymond Stewart | This dedication was made by the Service Employees International Union Local No. 513 | Service Employees International Union Local No. 513 | This dedication was made by the Service Employees International Union Local No. 513. | |
| William Vann | William Vann | To my hero, my grandfather. | Teressa Peart | To my hero, my grandfather. - Teressa Peart | |
| Henry Albert Wille Jr. | Henry Albert Wille Jr. | To Henry Wille Jr. You may be physically not here, but your children will never forget you. | To Henry Wille Jr. You may be physically not here, but your children will never forget you. - Brandis Wille | ||
| Daniel B. Winegar | Daniel B. Winegar | Thank you for your time and service to our great country! We are all proud to call you dad, brother, son, uncle, husband and friend. | Scottlyn Jewett | Thank you for your time and service to our great country! We are all proud to call you dad, brother, son, uncle, husband and friend. - Scottlyn Jewett | |
| William "Ben" Wilson | William "Ben" Wilson | Cannon Ball | This dedication was purchased by Cannon Ball. |
MARINE CORPS
| Honoree Full Name | Rank | Vet Name & Rank | Personal Tribute | Donor Full Name | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percy Brooks | Lance Corporal | Percy Brooks, Lance Corporal | This dedication was made by the members of I.A.M Local Lodge #2799. We honor your service and sacrifice to the country. | I.A.M. Local Lodge #2799 | This dedication was made by the members of I.A.M. Local Lodge #2799. We honor your service and sacrifice to the country. |
| William R. Crow | 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 | 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 | |
| Joe Damilini | Joe Damilini | Paul Babich | This dedication was purchased by Paul Babich. | ||
| Joseph Jesus Espinosa | Corporal | Joseph Jesus Espinosa, Corporal | "One Hell of a Recon Man" | Bull Cortez | "One Hell of a Recon Man" - Bull Cortez |
| Richard Lloyd Fesler | Sergeant | Richard Lloyd Fesler, Sergeant | Elizabeth Unruh | This dedication was purchased by Elizabeth Unruh. | |
| Karl Garrett | Karl Garrett | IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee | This dedication was purchased by the IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee. | ||
| Michael Carl Keith | Sergeant | Michael Carl Keith, Sergeant | Shelley Keith | This dedication was purchased by Shelley Keith. | |
| Margaret McAllister | Margaret McAllister | In Loving memory of my mother and to honor her service to our country, thank you Mom. | Monica Chapman (Daughter) and Stan Chapman | In Loving memory of my mother and to honor her service to our country, thank you Mom. - Monica Chapman (Daughter) and Stan Chapman | |
| Karen McDonald | Karen McDonald | IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee | This dedication was purchased by the IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee. | ||
| Mike McWilliams | Mike McWilliams | Jenni Szambecki | This dedication was purchased by Jenni Szambecki. | ||
| Victor Metzger | Victor Metzger, WW2 | IAM & AW LL639 | This dedication was purchased by IAM & AW LL639. | ||
| Justin Morphis | Justin Morphis | Jennifer Szambecki | This dedication was purchased by Jennifer Szambecki. | ||
| Frank C. Oldfather | Master Technical Sargent/Navigator Bombardier | Frank C. Oldfather, Master Technical Sargent/Navigator Bombardier | Our father served in WW2, he was a member of Squadron 443 the Flying Bobcats. They secured the Solomon Islands. He was a proud marine and lived with honor. We are thankful for our dad , his service and his legacy. Once a Marine always a Marine. | Susan Oldfather | Our father served in WW2, he was a member of Squadron 443 the Flying Bobcats. They secured the Solomon Islands. He was a proud marine and lived with honor. We are thankful for our dad , his service and his legacy. Once a Marine always a Marine. - Susan Oldfather |
| Jeff D Rogers | Jeff D Rogers, Private First Class | Matt Cervantes | This dedication was purchased by Matt Cervantes. | ||
| Aubrey Samuel Summers | Aubrey Samuel Summers | Fought in WW2 | Fought in WW2 | ||
| Hollis Stabler | Corporal | Hollis Stabler, Corporal | This dedication was made by the Service Employees International Union Local No. 513 in appreciation for Hollis' service in the Vietnam War. | Service Employees International Union Local No. 513 | This dedication was made by the Service Employees International Union Local No. 513 in appreciation for Hollis' service in the Vietnam War. |
| Richard Mason Zimmerman | Corporal | Richard Mason Zimmerman, Corporal | At age 17, the actions of Pearl Harbor recruited my dad from the farm fields of Sedgwick County to the battlefields in Tarawa and other nearby islands. Many people worship their heroes but I was blessed to be raised by mine! Rest in peace Dad! | Renee Zimmerman Hanrahan | At age 17, the actions of Pearl Harbor recruited my dad from the farm fields of Sedgwick County to the battlefields in Tarawa and other nearby islands. Many people worship their heroes but I was blessed to be raised by mine! Rest in peace Dad! - Renee Zimmerman Hanrahan |
NAVY
| Honoree Full Name | Rank | Vet Name & Rank | Personal Tribute | Donor Full Name | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Babich | David Babich | Thank you David Babich for your service to your country and your family. You're an inspiration to all of us. | Angie Prather | Thank you David Babich for your service to your country and your family. You're an inspiration to all of us. - Angie Prather | |
| Woodrow Bird ll | Woodrow Bird ll | Always in our hearts. | Donna Mills-Bird | Always in our hearts. - Donna Mills-Bird | |
| Chad Blanchat | E-5 | Chad Blanchat, E-5 | This dedication was made by the Service Employees International Union Local No. 513. | Service Employees International Union Local No. 513 | This dedication was made by the Service Employees International Union Local No. 513. |
| George Delbert Bloom | George Delbert Bloom | I'm so proud of my Dad who served in the Navy on the USS Kearsarge. | Sheryl Lockhart | I'm so proud of my Dad who served in the Navy on the USS Kearsarge. - Sheryl Lockhart | |
| George W. Chapman Jr. | George W. Chapman Jr. | Thank you dad for serving our country and being the father that you are, Love you Dad. | Stanley Chapman (Son) and Monica Chapman | Thank you dad for serving our country and being the father that you are, Love you Dad. - Stanley Chapman (Son) and Monica Chapman | |
| Trent Clark | Trent Clark | IAM & AW LL639 | This dedication was purchased by IAM & AW LL6396. | ||
| Michael Davis | ETR2 | Michael Davis, ETR2 | Mike, Thank you for your 8 years of service in the Navy dedicated to protecting this great country and our freedoms. We love you. | RT & Renee Davis | Mike, Thank you for your 8 years of service in the Navy dedicated to protecting this great country and our freedoms. We love you. - RT & Renee Davis |
| Frederick Frazier | PN2 | Frederick Frazier, PN2 | In loving memory. | Susan Haney | In loving memory. - From Pat and your girls |
| Emerson Freeman | Emerson Freeman | This dedication was made by the Service Employees International Union Local No. 513 in appreciation for Emerson's service in the Korean War. | Service Employees International Union Local No. 513 | This dedication was made by the Service Employees International Union Local No. 513 in appreciation for Emerson's service in the Korean War. | |
| Ivan Garrett | Ivan Garrett | IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee | This dedication was purchased by the IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee. | ||
| Jim Hamilton | Jim Hamilton | Sherri Hamilton | This dedication was purchased by Sherri Hamilton. | ||
| Jimmy Joe Harrison | Sergeant | Jimmy Joe Harrison, Sergeant | This dedication was made by the Service Employees International Union Local No. 513. | Service Employees International Union Local No. 513 | This dedication was made by the Service Employees International Union Local No. 513. |
| Charles Kemnitz | Charles Kemnitz | Brent Kemnitz | This dedication was purchased by Brent Kemnitz. | ||
| Gary Eugene Marsalis | Captain | Gary Eugene Marsalis, Captain | Aye, aye!! | Nicholas Marsalis | Aye, aye!! - Nicholas Marsalis |
| Lawrence Leroy Mills | Lawrence Leroy Mills | Always in our thoughts DJ. | Donna Mills-Bird | Always in our thoughts DJ. - Donna Mills-Bird | |
| Duane Myers | Duane Myers | IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee | This dedication was purchased by the IAM & AW Local Lodge #839 Community Services Committee. | ||
| Robert H. Quade | Robert H. Quade | In Memory of my Father, Robert H. Quade. | Leanne Lechner | In Memory of my Father, Robert H. Quade. - Leanne Lechner | |
| Fonzy Lee Robertson, Sr. | WWII Navy Aircraft Carrier, Aircraft Mechanic | Fonzy Lee Robertson, Sr., WWII Navy Aircraft Carrier, Aircraft Mechanic | We would like to honor the service of Fonzy Lee Robertson, Sr., our father, grandfather and great grandfather. Thank you dearly for setting an example for us to follow. With much love, David "Fonzy" Robertson, Dr. Kitty Wong-Robertson and the entire Robertson family. | David "Fonzy" Robertson, Dr. Kitty Wong-Robertson and the entire Robertson family. | We would like to honor the service of Fonzy Lee Robertson, Sr., our father, grandfather and great grandfather. Thank you dearly for setting an example for us to follow. With much love, David "Fonzy" Robertson, Dr. Kitty Wong-Robertson and the entire Robertson family. |
| Calvin Lee Smith | ENCS | Calvin Lee Smith, ENCS | Barbara Charboneau | This dedication was purchased by Barbara Charboneau. | |
| Donald Sooby | Donald Sooby | In memory of Donald Scooby who served on the USS Kitty Hawk. | Darla Neal | In memory of Donald Sooby who served on the USS Kitty Hawk. - Darla Neal | |
| Judson Spicer | Judson Spicer, WW2 | IAM & AW LL639 | This dedication was purchased by IAM & AW LL639. | ||
| Gordon Stewart | Gordon Stewart | This dedication was made by the Service Employees International Union Local No. 513. | Service Employees International Union Local No. 513 | This dedication was made by the Service Employees International Union Local No. 513. | |
| James Ward | E-6 Boatswain’s Petty Officer | James Ward, E-6 Boatswain’s Petty Officer | This dedication was made by the members of I.A.M Local Lodge #2799. We honor your service and sacrifice to the country. | I.A.M. Local Lodge #2799 | This dedication was made by the members of I.A.M. Local Lodge #2799. We honor your service and sacrifice to the country. |
| USS Wichita | USS Wichita | Thank you to the 70 sailors that currently serve as the crew on the USS Wichita, a vessel that carries our city's namesake. May you always have fair winds and following seas. | Thank you to the 70 sailors that currently serve as the crew on the USS Wichita, a vessel that carries our city's namesake. May you always have fair winds and following seas. | ||
| Walter June Whitson | Walter June Whitson | My loving father. | Judith Pierce | My loving father. - Judith Pierce |
AIR FORCE
| Honoree Full Name | Rank | Vet Name & Rank | Personal Tribute | Donor Full Name | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Angeron | Max Angeron | Ad Ventures of Kansas honor's all who served. | Bo Bellinger | Ad Ventures of Kansas honor's all who served. - Bo Bellinger | |
| Neddy Beatty | Neddy Beatty | In memory of my father. | Teressa Peart | In memory of my father. - Teressa Peart | |
| Tommy Bell | Tommy Bell | Gwen Kochman | This dedication was purchased by Gwen Kochman. | ||
| Duane C. Boswell | Duane C. Boswell | I.A.M. District #70 Retirees Club | This dedication was purchased by the I.A.M. District #70 Retirees Club. | ||
| Seth Aaron Brees | E6 tech Sargent | Seth Aaron Brees, E6 tech Sargent | Barbara Charboneau | This dedication was purchased by Barbara Charboneau. | |
| Rick Dixon | Rick Dixon | Stephen Dixon | This dedication was purchased by Stephen Dixon. | ||
| Blake Donham | Blake Donham | Stephen Dixon | This dedication was purchased by Stephen Dixon. | ||
| Quinton Edwards | Quinton Edwards | To my very own hero. | Teressa Peart | To my very own hero. - Teressa Peart | |
| James V Elliott | Lieutenant Colonel | James V Elliott, Lieutenant Colonel | In memory of my father, for his service in WWII in the RCAF, US Army Air Corps and USAAF. | Theresa Rich | In memory of my father, for his service in WWII in the RCAF, US Army Air Corps and USAAF. - Theresa Rich |
| Ricky O Folgate | TSgt | Ricky O Folgate, TSgt | We are proud of your service for our freedom. Love from all of us. | Kathy Folgate | We are proud of your service for our freedom. Love from all of us. - Kathy Folgate |
| Dan Gehman | Dan Gehman, Master Sergeant | Dad, thank you for 20 years of service. The boys love telling people their Papa is a Veteran. We love you! | Dawn Bryant | Dad, thank you for 20 years of service. The boys love telling people their Papa is a Veteran. We love you! - Dawn Bryant | |
| Anthony Gonzales | Lt. Colonel | Anthony Gonzales, Lt. Colonel | Renee Davis | This dedication was purchased by Renee Davis. | |
| Jerry Greenberg | Jerry Greenberg | Peter Greenberg | This dedication was purchased by Peter Greenberg. | ||
| Mel D. Holopirek | Captain | Mel D. Holopirek, Captain | Man with strong faith, kindness, and love of country. | Darnell Holopirek | Man with strong faith, kindness, and love of country. - Darnell Holopirek |
| Ronald L. Hovan | Ronald L. Hovan | Donna Lehane | This dedication was purchased by Donna Lehane. | ||
| Joseph Colon Hubbard | Joseph Colon Hubbard | To the Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather of my family. We love you and miss you . | Judith Hubbard | To the Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather of my family. We love you and miss you. - Judith Hubbard | |
| Victor Jackowsky | Victor Jackowsky | IAM & AW LL639 | This dedication was purchased by IAM & AW LL639. | ||
| Gary W. Job | Gary W. Job | In loving memory of my father who gained his ultimate freedom on July 2, 2022. So thankful for his and the other veterans for their sacrifice. | Shannon Taylor | In loving memory of my father who gained his ultimate freedom on July 2, 2022. So thankful for his and the other veterans for their sacrifice. - Shannon Taylor | |
| Joyce Markley | E-6, Technical Sergeant | 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 Community Impact Team | 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 Community Impact Team |
| William C. Martin | Colonel | William C. Martin (USAF/RET), Colonel | William Martin Jr | This dedication was purchase by William Martin Jr. | |
| McConnell Air Force Base | McConnell Air Force Base | Thank you to all the service members, civilian staff, and family members at McConnell AFB that defend our freedom every day. | Thank you to all the service members, civilian staff, and family members at McConnell AFB that defend our freedom every day. | ||
| Darrell Kent Minks | Darrell Kent Minks | With gratitude, honor, and respect for your 23 years of service to our country. Although no longer with us physically, your memory lives on. | Darren Minks | With gratitude, honor, and respect for your 23 years of service to our country. Although no longer with us physically, your memory lives on. - Darren Minks | |
| John Morphis | John Morphis | Jenni Szambecki | This dedication was purchased by Jenni Szambecki. | ||
| David Murach | David Murach | Served veterans all of his career, he wanted nothing more than to see them exceed and get the assistance they needed. | Annie Murach | Served veterans all of his career, he wanted nothing more than to see them exceed and get the assistance they needed. - Annie Murach | |
| Tom Pierce | Tom Pierce | He is my soul mate and the love of my life. | Judith Pierce | He is my soul mate and the love of my life. - Judith Pierce | |
| Robert David Ruth | Senior Master Sergeant | Robert David Ruth, Senior Master Sergeant | Robert D. Ruth served in both Korea and Vietnam in the United States Air Force. He retired with the ranking of Senior Master Sergeant. He was also a loving husband, father and grandfather. | Jessie Gorges | Robert D. Ruth served in both Korea and Vietnam in the United States Air Force. He retired with the ranking of Senior Master Sergeant. He was also a loving husband, father and grandfather. - Jessie Gorges |
| Daniel C. Sloat | Daniel C. Sloat | In honor of my brother, Daniel C. Sloat, I dedicate this flag to the freedom he defended via the United States Air Force! | MaeLauren Hudson | In honor of my brother, Daniel C. Sloat, I dedicate this flag to the freedom he defended via the United States Air Force! - MaeLauren Hudson | |
| Dajahnae Vines | Dajahnae Vines | Thank you, Dajahnae, for your service to the nation so that we can all live free and safe. | United Way of the Plains Philanthropy Team | Thank you, Dajahnae, for your service to the nation so that we can all live free and safe. - United Way of the Plains Philanthropy Team | |
| Dajahnae Vines | Senior Airman (E-4) | Dajahnae Vines, Senior Airman (E-4) | Thank you for your service! | From Your United Way family | Thank you for your service! - From Your United Way Family |
| Billy David Williams | Billy David Williams | Billy, Happy Heavenly Veterans Day! Your family appreciates you and your service to our country. Love to you ALWAYS!!! | Lavonta Williams | Billy, Happy Heavenly Veterans Day! Your family appreciates you and your service to our country. Love to you ALWAYS!!! - Lavonta Williams |
COAST GUARD
| Honoree Full Name | Rank | Vet Name & Rank | Personal Tribute | Donor Full Name | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Coast Guard PPC based in Topeka | The Coast Guard PPC based in Topeka | Thank you to the roughly 75 uniformed Coast Guard personnel working in Topeka to support all Coast Guard active, reserve, retired, dependent, and annuitant's pay in the entire force. | Thank you to the roughly 75 uniformed Coast Guard personnel working in Topeka to support all Coast Guard active, reserve, retired, dependent, and annuitant's pay in the entire force. |
SPACE FORCE
| Honoree Full Name | Rank | Vet Name & Rank | Personal Tribute | Donor Full Name | Tribute & Donor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Braden Vining | Braden Vining | In honor of the first Kansan to serve in the recently created US Space Force! #KansasProud | In honor of the first Kansan to serve in the recently created US Space Force! #KansasProud |
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Building & Construction Trades Council of Central & Western Kansas
Dean E. Norris
Epic Insulation
Foley Equipment Rental
IAM & AW Local Lodge #774
IAM & AW Local Lodge #839
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Union: Local #795
Kansas AFL-CIO
Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace/IFPTE: Local #2001
Sheet Metal Workers: Local Union #29
United Teachers of Wichita
Wichita Hutchinson Labor Federation of Central Kansas, AFL-CIO
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 Brooklyn Black, United Way Associate Director of Philanthropy, at bblack@unitedwayplains.org or (316) 267-1321 ext. 4127.
QUESTIONS?
Contact Mario Cervantes, United Way AFL-CIO Community Services Liaison, at mcervantes@unitedwayplains.org or (316) 267‑1321 ext. 4209.