Flag of hope

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alexander Brown
  • 439 Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WESTOVER, Mass. --  A tattered American flag flapped in the wind, hung between two trees snapped in half. This flag managed to survive the tornadoes of June 1, in Springfield, Mass., thanks to the owner, Master Sgt. Daniel Sullivan, who unwrapped it from a tree and hung it back up even before the storm was over.

This flag flew its last day and had to retire because it was faded and ripped, leaving room for a new flag and the story behind its replacement.

After Westover Air Reserve Base's flag became unusable, the Honor Guard was going to properly dispose of it. Tech. Sgt. William Brenner, 439th Security Forces Squadron, stepped in with the idea to donate it to Springfield, Mass., as a sign of hope after the devastation from the storms.

Once Tech. Sgt. Brenner contacted Master Sgt. Charles Frey, 439th Security Forces Squadron, they were able to secure the flag and have it repaired by Sentry Uniform free of charge in support of the cause.

The only issue remaining was where to donate it. Tech. Sgt. Brenner and Master Sgt. Frey both live in Springfield and drive by a house that has had a large flag flying in the front yard for the past 10 years. Even after the tornadoes, the flag was flying high, which was surprising because the flag and the owner's house were in the direct path of the tornado.

They found out, to their surprise, that the resident of the house was a military member who works at Westover. They decided to give Master Sgt. Daniel Sullivan the old installation flag.

Members of the Security Forces and the 337th Airlift Squadron delivered the flag and Home Depot gift card to Master Sgt. Sullivan 15 days after the tornadoes touched down. After the presentation, the Security Forces and the 337th Airlift Squadron assisted in taking down the old flag, folding it and hanging the new flag. During the process, passing cars honked, people applauded and took photos.

At one point, a school bus passed with a few children. Once they noticed what was going on the children spontaneously sat up in their seats, placed they hands over their hearts and began to recite the Pledge of Allegiance loud enough for all to hear.

With the job complete, the new flag shown out brighter and more vibrant against the destruction behind it, flapping between the remains of two trees snapped in half.