Airman carries his American flag everywhere

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Andrew Gates
  • 455th Expeditionary Operations Group Public Affairs
BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan (AFPN) --  When some people say they carry the American flag close to their heart, it is usually just a figure of speech.

However, when one 455th Expeditionary Operations Group Airmen here said that, he meant it -- and he has the flag to prove it.

“My grandfather gave me a 3-foot by 5-foot flag when I was 12,” said Master Sgt. Joe Ramos, the operations superintendent for the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. “That flag has gone everywhere with me since then -- wherever I move and wherever I deploy.”

So far, the flag has been to more than 50 different countries, including Iceland, Chad, Honduras, Sierra Leone, Turkey, Egypt, Russia and most recently, Afghanistan. While here, Sergeant Ramos also carries it on operations around Afghanistan -- securing the colors inside his body armor when he goes on security missions with other agencies.

“The flag has a lot of significance to me. I treat it with respect and as an essential piece of equipment like my weapon. I don’t leave home with out it,” Sergeant Ramos said. “When I pack my bag, I make sure that I have my flag folded into a triangle and packed as well. When I get in-country and open my bag, it’s a nice reminder of my grandfather.”

After he gets into a new country, Sergeant Ramos makes sure he unfurls the flag -- usually either in or over his living space, for at least one day.

“That way I can say the flag was flown in-country,” he said.

Just having a flag available on some remote deployments has been helpful. He used the flag for his re-enlistment in Russia, while another person re-enlisted in Egypt in front of the well-traveled flag.

“When the person re-enlisted in Egypt, he asked me if I was sure I didn’t mind him using it,” Sergeant Ramos said. “He said he was honored to use the flag knowing I take it everywhere I go.”

Most recently, the flag was used here in the background for a promotion ceremony.

Sergeant Ramos said he hopes when he retires he can continue the tradition, as he intends to pass the flag on to his 10-year-old son.

“I know it sounds corny, but I’m glad to be able to carry this flag and do what I do to support and defend it,” he said.