Story by: Sfc. Charlie Patak
Posted: May 27, 2015
Staff Sgt. Edward Thomas, Sgt. Joe Gahm, and Sfc. Ed Lack perform a flag folding ceremony at the National Polka Festival, Ennis, Texas, May 23, 2015. They invited Boy Scout Troop 210 of Ennis, Texas, along with Scoutmasters Trent Clinton, Kelly McManus and Alan Linson to join in the ceremony. (Texas State Guard photo by Sfc. Charlie Patak/Released)
ENNIS, Texas - The National Polka Festival attracts large crowds in Ennis, Texas. This year the 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment, took advantage of the opportunity to recruit for the Texas State Guard in Ennis, May 23, 2015. Recruiters Sfc. Ed Lack, Staff Sgt. Edward Thomas, Sgt. Joe Gahm, Pfc. John McClellon decided that they needed something unique that would most certainly attract a crowd.
The recruiters had a prime location, among 165 other vendors, so that thousands of spectators would see them. Led by Pfc. McClellon, the recruiters set up the tent and placed numerous recruiting items for people to see. Although the rain kept many from attending the festival, visitors talked with the recruiters and requested information about the Texas State Guard and the 4th and 19th regiments and a dozen filled out applications.
Then Staff Sgt. Thomas had a great idea. The recruiters decided to conduct a flag folding ceremony for the audience. They invited Boy Scout Troop 210 of Ennis, Texas, along with Scoutmasters Trent Clinton, Kelly McManus and Alan Linson to join in the ceremony.
Hundreds of spectators watched as the 2nd Battalion Color Guard soldiers Thomas and Gahm along with the Boy Scouts demonstrated how to fold the United States Flag properly as the ceremony is conducted in events honoring veterans, KIA personnel, and their families.
"It is an honor to let others see how important it is to treat the flag with respect and dignity. And to have the Boy Scouts assist was especially a great experience for all," commented Staff Sgt. Thomas.