Eglin Federal Credit Union presented a $2,000 check to the Niceville Exchange Club on Friday at the Air Force Armament Museum, nearly doubling the club’s request for funds to replace memorial flags.
- The Exchange Club had asked for $1,138 to help replace flags for their Field of Valor display. The credit union surprised them with the larger donation.
“When we heard about the Niceville Exchange Club’s need for replacement flags, we immediately wanted to help,” said Laura Coale, VP Marketing and Public Relations for Eglin FCU. “The Field of Valor is a moving display to honor our fallen heroes. We are committed to supporting our military and their families, and we are proud to be able to donate to this tribute and partner with the Niceville Exchange Club to support their mission.”
The donation comes after 101 flags worth more than $2,000 were taken from the club’s Memorial Day display at the Air Force Armament Museum in early June. The incident occurred when confusion arose over a “Take a flag” sign that remained posted after the Exchange Club ran out of small hand-held flags they were giving away.
- The Field of Valor display features more than 380 flags recognizing Florida men and women who lost their lives in Iraq or Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2001. Each flag includes information about the fallen service member.
Earlier this month, multiple organizations including the Children of the American Revolution raised $1,500 for flag replacement, with additional pledges expected to bring that total over $2,000.
The Exchange Club plans to reinstall the Field of Valor display for Veterans Day week in November.
