3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs

Story by Jared N. Gehmann

BAGHDAD – State flags from more than 30 U.S. states were officially presented to Multi-National Division – Baghdad paratroopers during a ceremony, here, Oct 20.

Leaders assigned to Company C, 82nd Brigade Support Battalion 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, handed out a total of 31 flags to troops.

However, these colors are not the typical flags found at a local convenience store, but rather a personalized donation sent by each state's government officials as a gesture of appreciation for the service U.S. Soldiers.

The program began when the mother of Spc. Brian Shimer, of Shelton, Conn., decided she wanted to do something to support her son and his fellow paratroopers deployed to Iraq. With the help of the Family Readiness Group, she contacted state officials from across the U.S. to see if they could donate flags in honor of the men and women in Company C.

"I was all about it, not thinking it would actually come to fruition, the next thing I knew we received several boxes from governors and state representatives," said Capt. Kenneth Lutz, of Fayetteville, N.C., the unit's commander.

Although most of the flags were delivered over a month ago, the Paratroopers were only recently given the flags as a personal keepsake. Despite the kind donation, there were not enough flags for every member of the company.

"We had to raffle the flags off to the Soldiers from each state because there were not enough for everyone to get one," said Lutz.

The Soldiers who did receive a flag representing their state seemed overjoyed after officially receiving it during the ceremony.

"I have been a Virginia resident for most of my life, and to bear her colors on the battlefield is an honor," said Pfc. John Lamme, of Stafford, Va., a medic assigned to Company C.

Along with the flags, the governors and state representatives sent the troopers signed certificates of appreciation thanking them for their service and sacrifice for the nation.

"We want the Soldiers to be proud of where they're from and who they are," said Lutz. "Where we come from is just another addition to a person's individuality."

To show their gratitude, members of Co. C sent certificates of appreciation and made phone calls to thank each state's official for the flags.

Lutz said he is thankful not only to the governors and state representatives who sent the flag but especially to the members of the FRG who put their time and effort into showing support for their loved ones serving in harm's way.

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