Flags for retiring reservists streamlined

  • Published
  • By ARPC/ Localized by Tech. Sgt. Charlie Miller
  • 445th Airlift Wing
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio --  Many members of the 445th are aware that upon submitting their paperwork for retirement, they can request an American flag. In the past, the flag could arrive well after the retirement ceremony and that was deemed unacceptable by Air Force Reserve leaders.

"Everyone deserves to have their flag on time," said Tech. Sgt. Scott Beaudry, non-commissioned officer in charge of outbound support at the Air Reserve Personnel Center, Denver, CO.

The new process puts the flag's arrival well ahead of the ceremony, Sergeant Beaudry said.

The backlog of 1,400-plus reservists waiting on a flag has been satisfied by ARPC thanks to new procedures. More than 8,000 reservists approved for retirement since the virtual Personnel Center Guard and Reserve retirement began in mid 2006 have been able to request a flag.

"As soon as you request on line, they will send you a flag," said Tech. Sgt. Mary Ann Papanek of the 445th Military Personnel Flight's Relocation office. The sergeant noted that these are not the flags that have been flown over the U.S. Capital.

Retiring members will receive a package that includes the flag, a letter from Lt. Gen. John Bradley, commander of Air Force Reserve Command, certificates, retirement lapel pin, an informal letter to give information about retirement and the ever important retirement orders.

"Now that the backlog is taken care of, we will be able to send out the flags in the retirement package as soon as we get the approval notification," Sergeant Beaudry said.