Retired Navy chief petty officer Warren Burch has turned a simple idea into a growing community effort. After reading about a similar initiative in a local newspaper in late 2024, Burch launched Canyon County’s Flags for Vets program to provide free flagpoles for veterans’ homes.
Since its start last year, the volunteer group—many of whom are veterans themselves—spends Mondays and Wednesdays digging holes, leveling poles and raising American flags on streets throughout Caldwell, Nampa and Middleton. Major retailers Lowe’s and Home Depot contribute materials or discounts, allowing the team to keep the service at no cost to the recipients.
Personal stories of gratitude
For many veterans, the moment a flagpole is installed is deeply emotional. “Sometimes they have tears because they remember comrades who didn’t come home,” Burch said. The first recipient, Frank McCrady, a former U.S. Army Special Forces soldier stationed in Okinawa, said he has always flown a flag in his front yard. When he learned about the program, he quickly signed up and later joined the volunteers, helping install poles for others. “It’s all about teams, not individuals,” McCrady explained, echoing the military spirit that drives the project.
Volunteer Gene Clements sees the work as a way for veterans to continue looking out for one another. “Help the veterans out, and it will come back to you tenfold,” he said, underscoring the reciprocal nature of the effort.
Impact on the community
On a recent Wednesday, Burch, Clements and fellow volunteer Randy Jensen installed flagpoles for 18 veterans on Driving Lane, a stretch of homes off Old Highway 30 that Burch calls “the most patriotic street in America.” The visible display of flags has become a point of pride for the neighborhood, reinforcing a shared sense of gratitude and patriotism.
Veterans interested in receiving a flagpole can contact Burch directly at (208) 513‑0001. The program remains open to all eligible veterans in Canyon County, and the volunteer roster continues to grow as word spreads.
Supporting families and faith
Beyond the flags, the initiative reflects the community’s broader commitment to traditional families and faith‑based service. Many volunteers cite their Christian values as a motivating factor, viewing the work as a tangible expression of love for country and neighbor.
As Veterans Day approaches, the Flags for Vets team plans additional installations and invites local churches, civic groups and businesses to partner in honoring those who have served. The effort stands as a reminder that honoring veterans is not just a one‑time event but an ongoing responsibility shared by families, faith communities and patriotic citizens alike.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
