Veteran’s Corner

Tom Krabbenhoft 

Last week was a week of many feats and firsts.
Scheels Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot and Bismarck and The CVMA (Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association) in the same cities came together.
They executed “Patriotism across the Prairie.” We rode to every Scheels location across the state, where people could bring in an old tattered or wore out flag exchanging it for a new one. It’s a small gesture that brought big results and showed us that people love this country and flying our flag is an honor.
The John Wayne quote still holds true. “Sure I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave?”
We have SO many thanks that made this happen and thanks to all the media across the state that came out.
Thanks to the Fargo PD and Cass County Sheriff’s office. The FPD provided us an escort through Fargo and Cass County Deputies escorted us on I-29 out of town.
Thanks to the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s office. They escorted us into Grand Forks City limits. There the Grand Forks PD escorted us through town.
The Ward County Sheriff provided us an escort out of town, thanks.
The Bismarck PD was especially busy escorting us as we wound through town. Thanks Bismarck PD.
Scheels was very generous purchasing the flags, feeding and hydrating us. I visited every one of the Ginnas Cafes in the stores and was never disappointed.
The Scheels Marketing & Events team people were over the top. Gracious, friendly and enthusiastic. They took great care of us. They made the flag exchange a happy and successful event for all involved. The smiling faces of those receiving the flags was reflection of how thoughtful and heartfelt this event was.
It is the first time a flag exchange has been done across an entire state.
The culmination was on June 14th Flag Day at Scheels Home and Hardware. About 20 plus CVMA members gathered for a “dignified flag disposal.” We disposed of several hundred flags with dignity. Another first for Scheels and the CVMA.
A groundbreaking few days for sure.
A special thanks goes out to the Cass and Clay County Veterans Services Officers Chris, Tony and Curt. They manned the Flag exchange at Moorhead Scheels. Not only did they do this, they turned it into a Veterans outreach. Another first and a great collaboration between the counties to benefit Veterans. Thanks guys!
Happy belated birthday US. Army. I would not sell my Army time for a million dollars. Nor would I buy another dimes worth.