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| LIFE IN SOLERA | AUGUST 2026 | 33 As you may have noticed, American f lags were f lying on our streets and around our clubhouse to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of this great nation. Did you know that below each f lag is a small plaque? Flags on our streets are dedicated to a veteran, with connections to Solera. Did you know that all of the f lags around our Clubhouse were not dedicated to veterans, but dedicated to Solera? These f lags were sent to Solera by military units, in appreciation of our support. Each of these f lags were f lown over a military compound, or carried on a mission, then sent to Solera. Did you know that as you are about to enter the Clubhouse main doors, there is a large stone on the ground to the right? There is a bronze plaque attached to the rock, honoring our veterans. Did you know that throughout the various walking areas of our community, there are concrete benches to sit on? Each bench has its own plaque, dedicating it in honor of someone connected to Solera. There is even one tree, that I know of, on the edge of the greenbelt that was dedicated to a loved one connected to Solera. Did you know when you are walking into our Mail Room through the main door, there is a plaque attached to the light post, just below the f lag holder to your upper left? The f lag that f lies at this location was sent to Solera in appreciation of our support by Command Sergeant Major Gregg Phillips. The rank of Command Sergeant Major is the highest rank that can be given to a non-commissioned officer. Years ago when we had lots of fighting going on in Iraq and Afghanistan, soldiers were doing one year tours. CSM Phillips, who was in command of construction groups all over Iraq, volunteered to serve over two and a half straight years. His men did one year tours, but he stayed the course. Through him, we supported his construction companies all over Iraq. All of the units enjoyed the boxes with food and snacks. Some also wanted children's clothing and school supplies to give to the orphanages or schools they were supporting. Other favorite items sent were pocket knives, coffee, hygiene, golf clubs and balls. I wish to thank each and every one of you who have supported our troops for these 20 years. ~ Jesse Donardt, (951) 892-6635 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. The Flags were raised June 6 for D-Day, June 14 for Flag Day, and July 4 for Independence Day. They will be raised for Labor Day Sept. 7, Patriots Day Sept. 11, and POW/MIA Day Sept. 19. 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 – Nick Gercis, nick.gercis@ gmail.com. Flag schedule for 2026 Labor Day: Mon., Sept. 7 (up 9/4, down 9/8) Patriots Day: Mon., Sept. 11 (up 9/11, down 9/14) National POW/MIA Day: Fri., Sept. 20 (up 9/18, down 9/21) Veterans Day: Sat., Nov. 11 (up 11/10, down 11/13) Pearl Harbor Day: Thurs., Dec. 7 (up 12/4, down 12/8)