Posted by – Dale Mathes, Code Enforcement Officer
Last week, Jack Skinner, Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Auburn Hills was on routine patrol at Waukegan and Squirrel when he noticed that the American flag raised at the Auburn Hills Boys and Girls Club was badly torn and tattered. Jack, a six-year Navy veteran who saw action aboard the battleship U.S.S. New Jersey during the Lebanon War in the 1980’s, was concerned about the flag and how the symbol’s condition could negatively reflect on the many good things the Club does for our community.
Jack stopped in and spoke to an office employee who said that the Club’s Director was on vacation and honestly expressed that she didn’t know if they could afford to purchase a new flag at this time. Later, Jack brought up this situation to Steve Cohen, the Director of Auburn Hills Community Development. After a brief discussion of options, Steve remembered that he had an American flag in great condition and volunteered its use at the Club.
Last Thursday, in the company of several members of the Auburn Hills American Legion Post 143, Jack proudly raised the flag on the towering flagpole by the entrance of the Club.
It turns out that Steve’s American flag was an old gift from his father-in-law who was very proud that the flag was put to such good use. Steve’s father-in-law’s dad was a World War II Navy veteran who has since passed away. Steve told me his father-in-law has the folded military flag that was presented to him at his father’s funeral. His father-in-law stated his hope was to someday put that memorial flag to a similar use.
I wanted to share this story of the good actions of Jack and Steve. They worked together without anyone watching to support the Club, when the institution just needed a little help. With some persistent nudging, they let me tell you about this. I am glad they did.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all.”
Developing Thoughts 