Flag Day: Americans personified in war-torn fabric

  • Published
  • By Ken Carter
  • Academy Spirit editor
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  Whether one calls her "Old Glory," "Stars and Stripes," or, "Star Spangled Banner," she'll be honored June 14 during our nation's annual celebration known as Flag Day. 

The history of the combination of red and white stripes, the blue union, and the 50 stars represent the bloodshed and bravery of those who've served to ensure America's freedom. Countless military heroes have paid the ultimate sacrifice in preserving that freedom and a handful have become household names -- most, however, have not. 

The appreciation for the power of symbolism in a flag's design is especially appreciated by military members who swear to support and defend it and the liberties for which it stands. 

Two great Americans near and dear to the heart of the U.S. Air Force who've recently passed away are Chief Master Sgt. Paul Airey, the first to serve as chief master sergeant of the Air Force, and Newt Heisley, the designer of the POW*MIA flag who called Colorado Springs home. 

Chief Airey was laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery May 28. At 86, he had passed away March 11 in Panama City, Fla. Mr. Heisley died in his home here in town May 14 at the age of 88. 

"When you talk about a lifetime of contributions, you say it thinking of Paul W. Airey," said Chief Master Sgt. Gerardo Tapia, 10th Mission Support Squadron superintendent. "I tell all my Airmen we owe our respect and admiration to those who served before us, who paved the way."

As a previous special assistant to the chief master sergeant of the Air Force in Washington D.C, Chief Tapia recalled the honor in the Space Observer, published by the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office at Peterson Air Force Base.

"I had the incredible privilege of spending lots of time with many former chief master sergeants of the Air Force," he said. "He's the only person I know to receive an immediate and rousing standing ovation at the mention of his name from officers and enlisted members alike."

This response is no doubt due to the dedication that Chief Airey demonstrated while serving his country: the chief enlisted in the Army Air Forces after the attack on Pearl Harbor and began his career as aerial gunner protecting B-24 bombers. While flying over Europe in 1944 as a newly promoted technical sergeant, his aircraft was shot down and then Sergeant Airey found himself a Prisoner of War. 

That's where Mr. Heisley's love for America later evolved to revealing the POW*MIA flag design that is flown across the nation six times a year and has been on permanent display in the rotunda of the United States Capitol since 1989. In 1990, Congress designated it as "the symbol of our nation's concern ..." for those still unaccounted for in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. 

The Williamsport, Pa., native enlisted during World War II and served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He later spent more than 20 years working for advertising firms in the New York City area, where he conceptualized the POW*MIA flag design for the largest flag manufacturer in the United States at that time. 

Today it continues to wave with Old Glory around the globe ... honoring the heroes who've played major roles in making up the fabric of America. 

What better time to reflect on the significance of the U.S. Air Force core values: Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence In All We Do, than June 14 -- Flag Day.