The Gift of Pride: Tyndall, Home Depot donate flagpole to local veteran

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alex Echols
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Team Tyndall and Home Depot came together July 31 to make a local World War II veteran's house a bit more patriotic just in time for his birthday.

Jules Olivier, Army Air Corp and Air Force veteran, purchased a flag pole at Home Depot. When he expressed the desire to have it put up by his birthday on Aug. 9, Jerry Lynch, Home Depot project specialist, got his crew to install it free of charge.

"I contacted Mr. Olivier and said we'd be proud to install the flag pole at his house," said Lynch.

Lynch then contacted Tyndall to get a military flag presentation. The Chief's Group embraced the effort and had the flag flown over the base and arranged for the Tyndall Honor Guard present it to the veteran.

"We're very proud to be able to present it to him," said Chief Master Sgt. Brian Sondgeroth 325th Maintenance Squadron superintendent. "You jump at the opportunity to be able to honor individuals like this."

Olivier joined the Army Air Corps in October 1942 during World War II and was flying combat missions in the Pacific just a few months after getting his pilot wings. After the war, he continued his service and retired from the Air Force as a major after serving more than 24 years.

"It's been a long trip," said Olivier. "I've lost 99 percent of my buddies now."

More than 30 people attended the presentation at Olivier's house, including Tyndall's Honor Guard and Chief's Group, Home Depot workers, local media outlets and several members of the Warrior's Watch Riders Motorcycle Club.

With the new flagpole standing tall on his lawn, the almost- 92-year-old member of the greatest generation received the gift with a mix of happiness, humility and humor.

"It's like watching your mother in law go off the cliff in your brand new uninsured car," he said.