Not long ago, I was in our local AMVETS, Post 1957 in Adrian MI, and I glanced at the Iraqi Flag we have framed and hanging on the south wall of the lounge. I’ve probably walked by or looked at it at least 100 times, maybe more. I’ve never really examined it before and what caught my eye were the words and names embroidered on the flag. Take a look below:
I asked myself ‘Why did we have an Iraqi flag framed and hanging on the wall of the post?’ Roy Busse was one of the names on the flag so I had a hunch he might know something about it (I used to watch Columbo so I know about hunches). A few days later, I ran into Roy at the AMVETS and I asked him to tell me the story behind the Iraqi flag. Roy agreed to tell me the story but said he needed something to keep his throat from going dry which might prevent him from finishing the story. I wholeheartedly agreed and immediately ordered 2 beverages (I was also afraid my throat would get dry while questioning him) and a few sips later, Roy told me about the flag, and more importantly, the meaning behind it.
In 2003-2004, Roy Busse and Craig Rotarius from Signal Battalion 156 of Adrian, MI, were serving in Iraq with the 234 Signal Battalion out of Iowa. During OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom), they participated in setting up the largest communication network the U.S. Army had ever put together in a combat environment. While serving overseas, Roy and Craig received numerous care packages, cards and other thank you gifts for their military service from members of AMVETS Post 1957. The Post’s kindness really meant a lot to Roy and Craig and they wanted to show their appreciation to everyone back home in Adrian. Back then, near Saddam’s Palace in Baghdad, there were lots of vendors selling their wares and one of these vendors was selling Iraqi flags. Roy and Craig made a deal with the vendor to embroider the flag and decided to donate it to Post 1957 when they returned home as a way to say thanks for all the AMVETS had done for them. Roy and Craig weren’t even members of the Post at that time.
Pictured are: Roy Busse, Aaron Ricketts and Craig Rotarius
Upon returning home, Craig and Roy were further honored with a parade and both were given a free year’s membership at AMVETS Post 1957. Craig no longer lives in Adrian and Roy is a Life Member, and Secretary for the AMVETS Riders Chapter at the Post. Roy currently serves in the Air National Guard with the 127th Wing at Selfridge A.N.G. Base.
Next time you are at AMVETS Post 1957 in Adrian, MI, take a look at the flag on the wall and see if you see what I see- a Symbol of Thanks and Appreciation for Veterans and those who support them!
