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New flag over Warrior Way honors troops

  • Published
  • By Maj. Brandon Lingle
  • 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan --  The 455th Expeditionary Medical Group dedicated a new American flag that hangs above the main patient entry area of Craig Joint Theater Hospital here July 4, 2014.

All wounded or injured U.S., coalition, and Afghan forces coming into CJTH, the largest U.S. military hospital in Afghanistan, pass under the flag and through the entrance, called Warrior's Way.

In an early morning ceremony, dozens of Airmen and Soldiers gathered to mark the replacement of the 20 by 30 foot Stars and Stripes adorning the ceiling of Warrior's Way.

"For those who made the ultimate sacrifice, some of them began that final journey here at Warrior's Way as they passed underneath the flag," said Col. Gary Walker, 455 EMDG commander. "However, there is much to be grateful for. During these last three years, 3,269 trauma patients have passed underneath the flag, including 1,912 U.S. service members, and 165 coalition service members. Over 99 percent of those patients have been returned to their families through the efforts of our medics."

The retired flag, first raised on July 4, 2011, had become faded and dust-coated after constant exposure to the harsh Afghan climate. Twenty Airmen folded the retired flag and with the help of the youngest Airman in attendance, placed it on a patient litter to await shipment to the Defense Health Headquarters in Falls Church, Virginia.

Walker said the flag will be offered to Dr. Jonathan Woodson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, "For permanent display on behalf of the many thousands of Soldier, Sailor, and Airmen medics who have so proudly served here."

In coordination with the hospital chaplain team, a group of donors in the U.S., led by the Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon organization, worked with the flag manufacturer to provide the customized flag. The group also arranged express shipping to Afghanistan with an international carrier.

"This flag is dedicated to all our Wounded Heroes and their care givers," said Alan Krutchkoff, president of Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon. "May it comfort and protect them all!"

Before arriving at Bagram earlier this week, organizers took the flag to the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, unfurled it on the steps of the Capitol building with members of the U.S. House of Representatives Veterans' Affairs committee, and told its story on national television.

"I can't think of anything more fitting on this day, July 4th, our nation's birthday, than to pay honor and tribute to our flag. For those of you who've had the honor of deploying before, you know as I do that there will be events, sort of seemingly random events that trigger your memories of a deployment," said Walker, "My hope is that someday in the future, when you are there with your grandchildren, you'll remember this day. You are part of the one percent that has stepped forward and chosen to serve and you are doing a spectacular job. I am honored to serve alongside you as you continue to pay forward the cost of freedom."

The new flag now keeps watch over Warrior's Way.