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44 | LIFE IN SOLERA | MARCH 2024 | The flags were raised in February for Presidents Day, (2/19/24). The flags will be raised for Viet Nam War Veterans Day, (3/29/24). Thank you to those few dedicated resident volunteers who are up "at the crack of dawn" on these special days to put up and take down our flags. Contact for the Flag Brigade is Nick Gercis, nick.gercis@gmail. com. Upcoming Flag Schedule: Viet Nam War Veterans Day: Fri., March 29; Armed Forces Day: Fri., May 18; Memorial Day: Mon., May 27; D Day: Thurs., June 6; Flag Day: Fri., June 14; Independence Day: Thurs., July 4; Labor Day: Mon., Sept. 2; Patriots Day: Mon., Sept. 11; National POW/MIA Day: Fri., Sept. 20; Veterans Day: Sat., Nov. 11; Pearl Harbor Day: Thurs., Dec. 7 When fighting was heavy in Iraq and Afghanistan, it was not all that uncommon for soldiers to be sent over every couple of years. We supported some of these on two and even three tours. Command Sergeant Major Gregg Phillips certainly did his share. An Army Command Sergeant Major is as high as you can reach as a Non Commissioned Officer. We got to know each other on first name bases. Gregg was in charge of the Army Corps of Engineers for the northern half of Iraq. His troops were construction people, and were scattered, in small groups, all over the northern part of the country. He regularly made driving trips to visit these troops on their projects. I worried for his safety, as IEDs, Improvised Explosive Devices, also known as roadside bombs, were in common use in those days. In supporting these scattered groups, their needs and wants could vary. Those with good food sources may only want snack items, those with cooking abilities would want appropriate food items, We even sent tools and sports equipment. The groups that touched me the most, were the ones that wanted only children's toys and clothing. At the end of his one year tour, CSM Phillips volunteered to do a back to back second year tour. He was given command of the entire country of Iraq. Now my worries increased, as some of his traveling was by helicopter. Our community's packages just about doubled. I often take photos during my travels, and put them on card stock, to mail to our troops. Gregg once sent us a photo of the credenza cabinet behind his desk. Placed on it were all the photo cards we had sent him. Around the end of his two years in Iraq, our country decided to shut down all military operations in Iraq, and pull everyone out of the country. Gregg volunteered to stay the necessary extra six months to see his men through this process. By this time, he had spent two and a half straight years, with only a few visits home, for our country. On the dozen special holidays, when our Flag Brigade decorates our community with flags, as you are entering our mail room through the main door, look up and to your left. The flag that he sent to Solera is there, along with his plaque. Thank you for caring. ~ Jesse Donardt SUPPORT OUR TROOPS VETERAN ASSISTANCE FLAG BRIGADE Billy (Mitch) Mitchell is a resident and Veteran who has voluntarily worked with individuals and the Veterans Administration to assist Veterans in obtaining benefits. If you are a Veteran and want to know which benefits you may be eligible for, contact Mitch at (951) 797-0800.