Gateway VETS Launches Restore the Glory Initiative to Honor the American Flag

Gateway VETS, the Veterans Employment and Training Service at Gateway Community & Technical College, today launched a new initiative designed to help businesses and schools honor the U.S. military and veterans by properly flying the American flag.

No other image carries the weight of patriotism and respect symbolized by the American flag, said Gateway President/CEO Ed Hughes in a ceremony today at Crestview Hills Town Center when the initiative was announced just a week in advance of Veterans Day.

The Restore the Glory project will give worn flags proper retirements, provide business owners and schools with an opportunity to replace flags, and will educate the public on proper flag etiquette. Equally important, the project will allow the community to demonstrate support of the military and veterans, Hughes added.

Businesses and schools with American flags that need to be replaced can contact Gateway VETS to arrange for a new flag, and the VETS program will ensure the proper disposal of the retiring flag. New flags will first fly over the state capitol building in Frankfort. State Rep. Addia Wuchner (R-Florence) is coordinating obtaining those flags.

"Gateway is to be commended for the Gateway VETS initiative and the commitment to assuring returning veterans are workforce prepared and also for the Restore the Glory project," said Rep. Wuchner. I am honored to assist in this patriotic and worthy project.

We will plan a ceremony to raise the flag if requested, said Chris Courtney, a Navy veteran and retention/placement strategist with Gateway VETS. Restore the Glory is one way that Gateway VETS can serve the community and promote respect for our military and veterans at the same time.

The Kentucky National Guard also is helping. It is our duty as veterans to restore the American flag and show it the highest level of respect. I can't think of a better way to do these things other than bringing this initiative to life, said Sgt. Danny Dornbusch, Kentucky National Guard Recruiting and Retention NCO.

The Gateway VETS program offers educational and job placement services to help veterans transition to civilian life. The program helps veterans identify career interests, pursue career education opportunities at Gateway, and find jobs. Job placement services are available whether or not the veteran enrolls at Gateway.

Gateway VETS fulfills an urgent need to help veterans pursue career training and find jobs, said Angie Taylor, vice president of the Workforce Solutions Division that oversees the program. Returning veterans provide a strong source of skilled labor needed by employers, and the program also helps remedy the shortage of skilled workers in the region.

To participate in the Restore the Glory program or obtain more information about Gateway VETS employment and training services, contact Courtney at (859) 442-4171 or chris.courtney@kctcs.edu.