Local Veteran Receives New Flagpole

Sigourney High School graduates worked with the nonprofit Veteran Flagpole Initiative to install a flagpole in the yard of Sigourney resident and veteran Buck Garringer on July 4th. VFI, established in 2021, works to install flagpoles in the yards of veterans. The group has provided more than 40 veterans with flagpoles and plans to provide a flagpole for a veteran in each county by 2028.

Sergeant Buck Garringer enlisted into the Air Force in 1965. He attended basic training at Lackland Air Force Base and completed advanced infantry training shortly after at Camp Bullis in San Antonio, Texas. During his time in the Air Force he served as a military police officer, stationed at such theaters as SE Asia from 65 to 66 - a total of 15 months. Buck left the Air Force in 1968 after completing his service obligation. Then, like many prior service members, he got that itch again, but the Air Force would not be able to scratch it. Buck instead enlisted in the Army in 1976 as a medic, successfully transitioning from Fort Living Room back into the world of green fatigues and pushups. He continued his Army service until 1979 when he again elected to expire his terms of service. Buck returned home and worked at the Sigourney Ready Mix for 44 years before retiring. We thank Buck for his service to our great nation and also the official approval of Veteran Flagpole Initiative (VFI)’s concrete procedure when setting his pole.

Sigourney High School graduates volunteering their time with VFI include Jake Flanders, Will Hanchett, Jonny Wallerich, Eric Dolash, Jonathan Stichter, Alex Hammes, John Hanchett, and Nathan Kurtz. Besides volunteering with installations, John Hanchett has also volunteered to make shadow boxes for flags for all counties below I-80 if the nominated veteran is not a property owner or is in a facility like a nursing home or something. If you would like to volunteer or donate to help provide a Veteran with a permanent reminder of your appreciation visit their website (www.veteranflagpoles.org).