Veteran Flagpole Initiative

Rounds complete on install # 0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣. Bob O'Hare served in both the United States Marine Corps as well as the United States Army. Bob joined the USMC in 1969. Bob is a Vietnam Veteran and was in charge of loading and unloading freight and personnel on aircraft in Danang. After an 8 year break in service, Bob joined the Army Reserves where he was in charge of the Armory. He completed his service as a Sergeant.

Bob is extremely active in volunteering at the Waverly Area Veterans Post. The WAVP is a beautiful and thriving Veterans club open to the public for food, drinks, and events and it is located right on the Cedar River. Bob's service continues to this day by making sure there is a location in Waverly which focuses on our Veterans. Thank you for your service Bob!

📍Waverly, Iowa 🇺🇸

Rounds complete on install #0198. Troy Usher served in the United States Navy from 1988-1993. Troy is a Combat Veteran having served in the Persian Gulf War. Troy was a material handler and was also in charge of supply parts for radar and sonar. He spent over 3 years on USS Richmond K Turner.

Troy recalled experiencing a lot of bad storms on the ship and that the tide and waves were so high that you could stick your hand over the edge of the ship and be level with the water. He appreciated his time in service and needed the structure and routine.

We have forged an amazing relationship with Butler County REC as they have been an amazing supporter of our mission. Derek Snakenberg, who works for Grundy County REC took his first Team Lead of Troy's install and was joined by a group of Butler County REC linemen to assist. Troy’s son Shane, who works at Butler County REC, also helped install the flagpole for his father. Thanks for your service Troy!

Rounds complete on install #0199. Barry Re*****on of Cedar Falls, served in the United States Army from 1962-1974. Barry was drafted while he was in college and completed Officer Candidate School after basic training and advanced individual training. He was deployed to Vietnam where he was in charge of 11 mechanics in Danang. Upon completion of his tour, Barry was "RIFfed" out (reduction in force) because he hadn't completed college. He completed his time in service as a Captain. Barry is currently undergoing treatment for small cell lung cancer. We were happy to place this flag in honor of his service so he is able to enjoy it while going through a tough emotional and physical part of his life. Thank you for your service CPT Re*****on!

📍 Cedar Falls, Iowa 🇺🇸

Attention to Orders! 🇺🇸🫵🏻

VFI is still looking for one Veteran in each of the following counties and/or cities to install a flagpole display for on flag day weekend on 6/12/2026: Ida county and Orange City.

If you or someone you know is a Veteran in one of these areas and wants a lighted 20 foot telescoping flagpole installed in their yard with included solar light, American flag, and Iowa Flag then send them our way. You can nominate them on our website, email us, or hit us up on messenger. We know there is someone in each of these areas without a pole that deserves one, completely free and provided by VFI!

Rounds complete on install #0197. Tim Williams served in the United States Army from 2000-2007. He was trained as an 11B Infantryman as well as a 96H Common Ground Station Operator. Tim served in Operation Iraqi Freedom during his tenure. Today Tim lives in The Big Sky State of Montana. Thank you for your service Tim!

📍Stevensville, Montana 🇺🇸

Even Montana is within reach for Martin's Flag Company, LLC to deliver to. We thank Brett and his team for bending over backwards to make this dream a reality for 197 Veterans! We get asked all the time where to get flags and flagpoles from and it's always the same answer, Martin Flag Supply!

Lets gooooooo! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Spencer Flagfest throws one heck of a party for Flag Day and we are ready to join the action. We have identified 37 Veterans to receive flagpoles over Flag Day Weekend this year. Friday, we will pepper Spencer with 24 flagpoles for their amazing Veterans. On Saturday, we are honoring all of the Veterans that we are installing for by having them ride on a semi trailer flat bed along with their flagpoles.

SWAG! Our team is equipped, prepared, and ready to execute! Please support our mission by purchasing swag for the event! We have teamed with a new swag company Takeover Sales Custom Apparel and are excited to launch more and more swag soon!

https://takeoversales.myshopify.com/collections/veteran-flagpole-initiative

VOLUNTEER! Get involved for your Veterans by joining our team!
www.veteranflagpoles.org/volunteer

Rounds complete on install #0196. Don Brannaman was a Seaman 1st Class in the United States Navy from 1942 until 1946. During WWII Don volunteered for the Armed Guard and was selected for the job. These sailors were assigned to man guns on merchant ships that carried men, cargo, and supplies to the Allied Forces in Europe and the Pacific theater. Don was stationed on the SS Robert Toombs and delivered supplies to the beaches following the D-Day invasion of N**i Europe. This allowed Allied forces to refit and resupply before making their way inland towards the 101st and 82nd already dropped north of the Utah and Omaha beaches. Don was later assigned to the SS Edward P. Alexander that received a Battle Star for actions during the assault and occupation of Okinawa, Japan.

Don died in 2014 unfortunately and this VFI pole was emplaced on his families farm for generations of his family to enjoy and remember Don. There are so few WWII Veterans left, so damn few. If you get an opportunity to sit down and listen to one of them, do it! The greatest men in American history would love for you to hear their story.

📍Solon, Iowa 🇺🇸

Way to show up strong for Nick and Keaton Waverly!

Round 2 for Stephen tomorrow Friday May 1st at 12:00 PM. Bring your flags, banners, signs, and patriotism and lets welcome him home!

Install flagpoles, instill gratitude. Join our team.

www.veteranflagpoles.org