U.S. Air Force Flies Flag In Buckle’s Honor

Buckle honored with certificates and flag flown in Afghanistan during a combat mission in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

For almost a decade, Buckle’s Corporate Benevolence Committee has been sending care packages to military members stationed overseas during the holidays.

The care packages often go to troops with soldiers who have family members who work at Buckle – sometimes even to Buckle teammates who are deployed overseas. The care packages are filled with various goodies like snacks, candy, dice, cards, mini footballs, frisbees, and coozies. Hats, t-shirts and sunglasses from various brands sold at Buckle, and notes of kindness from teammates also fill the care packages.

Last December, three different military units received care packages from Buckle. In total, 72 care packages were sent to active military members stationed overseas.

United States Air Force troop receives care packages from Buckle

The 451st Expeditionary Munitions Flight of the United States Air Force, stationed at Kandahar Air Base in Afghanistan, was one of the troops to receive care packages from Buckle. In return, they wanted to do something special to thank Buckle for its generosity.

Munitions Systems Technician, Aaron Reier, whose mother is an ecommerce teammate at Buckle, arranged for an American flag to be flown in Buckle’s honor, on two separate combat missions in Afghanistan, in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

Buckle honored by United States Air Force with certificates and flag flown in Afghanistan during a combat mission in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel

Reier brought the flag home with him when he returned from his six-month deployment. His father and mother, Jim and Nancy Reier, presented the flag and certificates to Buckle.

Jim and Nancy Reier
Jim and Nancy Reier

“The care packages mean the world to them. The care packages lift their spirits. It’s a positive uplifting experience for everyone involved.” – Nancy

Jim Reier presenting certificate from United States Air Force to Buckle
Jim Reier presenting the certificates given to Buckle from the United States Air Force.
Buckle's Benevolence Committee with the American Flag and certificates presented to Buckle from the United States Air Force
Buckle’s Corporate Benevolence Committee with the American flag and certificates given to Buckle by the United States Air Force.
This American flag was flown in the skies of Afghanistan on a combat mission aboard the feared A-10C Warthog, assigned to the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan.
This certificate reads: “This American flag was flown in the skies of Afghanistan on a combat mission aboard the feared A-10C Warthog, assigned to the 75th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Kandahar Air Base, Afghanistan, Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. Flown in honor of Buckle.”
On behalf on the 62nd Expeditionary Attack Squadron, this flag was flown in combat over the skies of Afghanistan on the 29th day of December 2018, in an MQ9 Reaper, tail number 4030, in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and is presented to Buckle.
This certificate reads: “On behalf of the 62nd Expeditionary Attack Squadron, this flag was flown in combat over the skies of Afghanistan on the 29th day of December 2019, in an MQ-Reaper, tail number 4030, in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, and is presented to Buckle.
Remove Before Flight Ribbon From Plane Flown By The United States Air Force in Support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.
Along with the flag came two “remove before flight” ribbons. One of the ribbons was signed by members of the 451st Expeditionary Munitions Flight.

“We do this because we value the service of our military men and women. We’ve always had many Buckle teammates impacted by a family member’s military service. We love doing this as our way of being of service to others and giving back,” says Deborah Mills, who leads Buckle’s efforts in sending military care packages each year.

SALUTING OUR MILITARY

Buckle salutes our military and shows our appreciation for their service every day of the year by offering a year-round 10% military discount to all active duty and veteran military members, spouses, and dependents.

Go to buckle.com/military to learn more or receive your military discount.

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