Veteran's Raise New Flags

November 2024 - Four military veterans and BJH team members in public safety raised new flags on new flag poles at BJH. As veterans, raising the American flag has special meaning to those team members – Katricia Garrett, Stephen Heywood, Al Schall and Nathaniel Wagoner.

Garrett works in security systems and has been with BJH 26 years. She enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1987 and worked as an aircraft, jet and helicopter mechanic.

“The U.S. flag means opportunity, and raising the flag means the opportunity to achieve your goals and live your dreams. Thanks to the all the strong Americans who defend our freedoms.

“The Air Force values integrity, courage, honor and discipline. It was an honor and a privilege to be the first female to work in the Air Force’s Fuel Systems Specialty Aircraft Hanger.”

Heywood also is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, having served “25 years, 10 months and 19 days. But who’s counting?” His parents and several uncles and cousins also served, a family tradition.

“The flag is a beacon of hope. It means that myself, my family, neighbors, and coworkers have opportunities and rights that many around the world do not.

“Serving means I did my part to protect and defend our freedom,” Heywood adds. “People are often unaware of the sacrifices that the men and women of our military make: often sent to remote areas of the world, far from family and friends, with dangerous situations a real possibility. Just knowing that I played a very small part in securing our liberties and way of life remains an honor.”

Watch this video to see the flag raising.