Veteran Flagpole Initiative

10/02/2026

Rounds complete on install # 0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣8️⃣. Mike Bonifas proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1973 to 1976 as an Aircraft Support Specialist. During his military service, he was stationed at several locations throughout the United States and overseas, including New York, California, Madrid, Spain, and Adana, Turkey. His service supported the Air Force’s global mission during a critical period in our nation’s history.

Following his military service, Mike has remained deeply committed to serving fellow veterans and his community. For the past 48 years, he has been a dedicated member of Bellevue American Legion Post 273. Through his unwavering commitment, he has continued to honor those who served before and beside him.

Today, Mike serves with the Post’s Honor Guard, providing military funeral honors for our nation’s fallen veterans. His continued dedication ensures that those who wore the uniform receive the dignity, respect, and gratitude they have earned.

Mike exemplifies a lifetime of service — first to his country in uniform, and now to his fellow veterans through his steadfast commitment to honoring their legacy. His dedication reminds us that service does not end when the uniform comes off; it continues through a life devoted to others.

Mike, Thank you for your service!

📍LaMotte, IA 🇺🇸

10/01/2026

Rounds complete on install # 0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣7️⃣. Steve Chandler served in the US Navy from 1967 until 1973 as an Electronic Technician specializing in countermeasures and radar abord the USS Blueback (SS-581) submarine.

During his time in the Navy, Steve deployed to Hong Kong during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Taiwan, where he helped train Taiwanese sailors. His job aboard the submarine involved electronic systems and countermeasures, including missions to monitor and track Soviet vessels.

Steve recalls what life was like living aboard a submarine - being confined to a very small space for extended periods and even having to limit showers to once a week.

Despite the challenges, there were some memorable perks! Once a month, the crew enjoyed a lobster feed, even though the lobster was frozen rather than fresh and an ice cream machine aboard the submarine was definitely a favorite among the crew. Steve remembers the food as being surprisingly awesome!

After completing his military service, he made a big move from Idaho to Iowa, where he began operating a bulldozer. Before long, he found his way into farming - and Iowa has been home ever since.

From serving beneath the sea to building a life rooted in Iowa soil; thank you for your service Steve!

📍 Winterset, IA 🇺🇸


Grundy County REC
Farmers Electric- Greenfield
Central Iowa Power Cooperative

https://who13.com/news/iowa-news/flagpoles-installed-to-honor-veterans-initiative-aims-for-250th-install/

09/30/2026

Rounds complete on install # 0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣6️⃣. Trey Eddy served with the Iowa National Guard's 248th Aviation Support Battalion (ASB) out of Boone, Iowa from 2012 until 2020 as a Black Hawk Helicopter Mechanic.

During his service, Trey had the opportunity to train and work with mechanics supporting the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) in Savannah, Georgia. The 160th SOAR is the elite Army Aviation Unit whose history includes the events depicted in the movie Black Hawk Down.

Trey recalls being told that the 160th specifically requested the Black Hawk Mechanics from the 248th because they were considered "some of the best around" - a tremendous compliment to the skill and dedication of these Iowa National Guard soldiers.

One memory that especially stayed with Trey was at the 160th's maintenance shop and seeing the tribute honoring the servicemen who lost their lives in Somalia. Seeing the memorial firsthand offered a powerful reminder of the sacrifices behind the history of the unit and the missions they carried out.

Trey, Thank you for your service!

📍Greenfield, IA 🇺🇸

Central Iowa Power Cooperative
Farmers Electric- Greenfield
Grundy County REC


https://who13.com/news/iowa-news/flagpoles-installed-to-honor-veterans-initiative-aims-for-250th-install/

09/29/2026

Rounds complete on install # 0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣5️⃣. Gary Schoborg dedicated an incredible 22 years to the US Army, as a Rear Detachment NCOIC. 10 years on active duty and another 12 years serving in the Reserves.

Gary's military career took him around the world and placed him in a variety of important roles! From 1978 until 1981, he served in Germany as a helicopter fuel handler, supporting operations on military bases.

In 1990-1991, Gary served during the Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia, working as a Logistics Base Charlie Mechanic - responsible for repairing tactical vehicles, heavy equipment, and weaponry. One of the memories that stands out from that time was making the journey for mail call once a week. A 500 mile trip each way, making it a 1, 000 mile round trip just to receive mail.

Gary returned to the Middle East in 2004-2005, serving in Iraq at Camp Anaconda, also known as Rocket Central. His service continued around the world. In 2009-2010, he worked with a 500 bed hospital unit in Bishkek. He also served as a Veterinary Assistant in the Dominican Republic, where he helped care for military working dogs and took part in humanitarian efforts supporting locals.

22 years. Multiple countries. Countless missions. One incredible commitment to service!

Gary, Thank you for your years of service!

📍Eldora, IA 🇺🇸

Grundy County REC

09/28/2026

Rounds complete on install # 0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣4️⃣. Kevin Bachman served in the US Army from 1981 until 1985, reaching the rank of Sergeant (E5).

Kevin served as a Multi Vehicle Generator Mechanic and spent two years in Korea, living near the DMZ (demilitarized zone). While deployed, he was always on alert and understood the importance of being ready for whatever might come next.

His military career also took him to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where he spent about a year and a half completing basic training and AIT (advanced individual training). Later, in Washington state, Kevin was entrusted with being in charge of the maintenance shop.

One of the experiences that stayed with him was returning home from Korea. After being constantly alert while overseas, coming home to everyday life was a culture shock. He was happy to be home, but it took time to adjust. Kevin's story is a reminder that coming home can be its own journey.

Thank you for your service, Kevin!

📍Union, IA 🇺🇸

Grundy County REC

09/28/2026

Thank you to the team of patriots who continue to show up and make flagpole installations a reality for our Veterans!

09/26/2026

Benefit The Vets is an Iowa based 501(c)(3) nonprofit which brings awareness, recognition, and support to our local honorably discharged Veterans, and active-duty warriors for the sacrifices they have made for all Americans.

Just like so many other organizations who have received sizable grants from Benefit the Vets, we are humbled to have been selected for a $5,000 check. This money will result in 7 Iowa Veterans receiving flagpoles in their yards.

Each summer, they host a 90's country superstar at a benefit concert in Worthington and it is an absolute amazing event, keep that weekend free next summer and help them help Veterans!

What an awesome group!!

The Veteran Flagpole Initiative honors Veterans by installing flagpoles in their yards at no cost, providing each recipient with a 20-foot telescopic flagpole, U.S. flag, Iowa flag, and solar-powered light as a lasting symbol of gratitude for their service. As a 100% volunteer-based organization, funds received go directly toward supporting this mission, with each $750 funding increment providing a complete flagpole installation for an Iowa Veteran. To date, the organization has installed 270 flagpoles and continues to expand its reach across Iowa, creating meaningful experiences and lasting relationships with Veterans and their families while ensuring their service and sacrifice are recognized and remembered.

We are beyond honored to donate $5,000 to their initiative to honor our Veterans!

09/25/2026

Rounds complete on install # 0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣3️⃣. David Iverson served in the US Navy from 1982 until 1985 as a Navy Corpsman. He completed his Navy boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in North Chicago, before attending Hospital Corps School (Navy Medic) raising from a Quad Zero to an 8404 Field Medical Service Technician.

David spent his entire military career stateside and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He remembers the area as being especially swampy, and it was there that he learned many of the fundamentals of becoming a Marine - including force marches and Marine Corps training.

Some of his favorite memories included time spent working out in the gym alongside a fellow serviceman who was a body builder. Outside of his military service, David has enjoyed a longtime interest in fi****ms and collecting them - a hobby he pursues as part of his personal interest and appreciation for his constitutional rights.

David's years in uniform were filled with training, dedication, camaraderie, and service to our country. Thank you for your service, David!

📍Conrad, IA 🇺🇸

Grundy County REC

09/24/2026

Rounds complete on install # 0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣2️⃣. Richard "Rick" Anderson served in the US Navy from 1965 until 1969 in Damage Control. While serving aboard the USS Delta, Rick worked in the auxiliary repair shop, where he put his woodworking skills to use. One of the things he remembers making aboard the ship was black picture frames. He also spent time aboard the USS Paul Revere.

Like many servicemen, some of Rick's favorite memories were the friendships he made along the way. He enjoyed spending time with his Navy buddies at Johnny's Bar in Alameda, California.

Today, Rick continues making memories through music. He plays drums in several bands, specializing in country and rock music. From serving our country to keeping a beat, Rick's story is one of service, friendship, and a lifelong love of music.

Thank you for your service, Rick!

📍Grundy Center, IA 🇺🇸

Grundy County REC

09/23/2026

Rounds complete on install # 0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣1️⃣. Tom Bullis served in the US Air Force from 1968 until 1972 as an Admin Clerk. He served as a clerk for 15 months at the Maxwell AFB Medical Center before deploying to Vietnam - Bien Hoa Air Base. He provided administrative clerk services for the Communications Sauadron where he routed all communications traffic in and out of the Air Base to include Top Secret communications.

Tom finished the remaining 21 months of his enlistment at Richard’s Gebaur AFB, Grandview, MO as a Staff Sergeant in the base housing office; working in the off base housing referral program and supervising the visiting officers and transient airmen’s quarters.

Thank you for your service, Tom!

📍Marion, IA 🇺🇸