By Conrad Easterday, Editor
conrad@washitavalleyweekly.com

Kevin and Ginger Blake were sitting in the front yard with a neighbor — a veteran ­— who told them he would like a flagpole at his home but could not afford the expense. They gathered together family and friends and got the job done.
After experiencing and seeing the emotions the event evoked, the Moore couple decided to give the same gift to more veterans.
Flagpoles Honoring Our Veterans was created in March 2020. Since then, the volunteer organization has honored 574 veterans, said FHOV Vice President Mike Anthis of Chickasha.
On Sunday, April 28, after a hearty start with breakfast burritos, the membership started their motorcycles and added 10 more to the total in Chickasha.
“This is the first time we’ve ever met in Chickasha,” Anthis said.
It’s also the first time, the group has raised so many flagpoles at one time. Most of their outings honor three to four veterans.
Each flagpole is erected with a quick setting concrete base and a solar-powered light that veterans don’t have to remember to turn on. Solar power also insures utility bills will not increase, however small.
The poles are fitted with nameplates, and the flags are purchased with donated funds from a veteran-owned company, Anthis said. Disabled veterans assemble the flagpoles at the manufacturer.

Once the flagpole is raised and the flag flies over the veteran’s home, the banner is lowered and folded into the tri-cornered shape used for storing flags. President Brandon Wallace or founder Kevin Blake will read out the meaning of each of the 13 folds until flag is ready to be presented to the veteran. A round of stories, handshakes, hugs and often tears are exchanged before the riders head off to the next home.
“It’s just wonderful,” said Sherri Lewis, wife of honored Army veteran Johnny Lewis. “I’m tickled they’ve come to Chickasha.”
When asked which flagpole raisings were most memorable, Anthis said “all of them.” Because they are so few, World War II veterans are extra special. Vietnam veterans are fewer too.
“You don’t see too many,” he noted. “Some of these veterans will just weep with joy. It’s the welcome home they never got.”
Flagpoles Honoring Our Veterans has 306 veterans on its waiting list currently, which translates as a 10-12 month waiting period. Some of the Red, White and Blue Crew become members after being honored.
The honored veterans include: George Lunquette, Army; Sheriff Gary Boggess, Army; Michael Chavers, Army; Marvin Shipley, Army; Bill Ingraham; Army; Johnny Lewis, Army; Amanda Tolman, Navy; Mayor Zach Grayson, Army; Willard James Guffee, Army. Martin Thorne, Navy.