Flag day is important to members of the community in Greenville, TX. The Knights of Columbus hold an annual flag retirement event and have had Northeast Texas AFA Chapter 416 as a partner for many years. Chapter president, Vance Clarke, was the speaker at the June 15, 2024, event.
Clarke spoke on the importance of meaningful service and told a portion of his military story while rendering importance to our nation’s flag.
Clarke talked about not knowing what he wanted to do and how he felt the Air Force would provide an opportunity to learn a skill, make some money, and take advantage of college while on active duty, and after. His plan, to enlist for four years and then separate and go back to college. That plan failed. Clarke ended up reenlisting, in fact, reenlisting five times and staying in uniform for 30-years.
Clarke is a member of AFA’s AIMS team (Advocate to Inspire Military Service www.afa.org/aims) and he is asking for help everywhere he can, as do all AIMS team members. The AIMS team is encouraging veterans to Tell Their Story. Clarke did that in his remarks and recognized three-chapter members who serve in the community as influencers inspiring military service. He presented them with chapter coins.
MSgt Zach Hill, chapter Vice President for Membership, assigned to the 645th AESS in Greenville, TX. Hill redesigned the chapter coin to incorporate new AFA branding. Clarke presented Hill with the first awards coin at the flag ceremony and highlighted Hill’s military service.
CMSgt, retired, Terry Thomas, a member of the Greenville City Council, who serves as chapter Vice President of Community Partners. Clarke praised Thomas’s example of service and said that Thomas’s service inspired him to work harder than Clarke ever imagined.
Air Force Major, retired, Rich Holsinger, Knights of Columbus and AFA member, who led the flag retirement event. Holsinger was recognized for his community and chapter service. “Your work for our chapter and this flag retirement event show great respect for our nation and demonstrate meaningful service,” said Clarke.
Clarke appealed for all present to volunteer to serve in a meaningful ways; in houses of worship, communities, and nonprofits making a difference. Clarke said, “The ideal of service is something needed from our citizens, and we should not take service lightly. I call each of you to inspire others by your service, by telling the story of your service – wherever you serve, and to bring them alongside you.”
Clarke closed his remarks saying the word flag was also an acronym meaning to “Foster the Legacy of America for Generations to come.”