St. Mary Catholic School parent Grant Rush presented the school with the American flag flown from his helicopter on a mission near Balad, Iraq, in June.
Rush visited his sons, Myles and Kelton, in their fourth- and first-grade classrooms while on leave from active duty in Iraq recently.
His deployment tour, with Charlie Company, 7-158th Aviation Regiment, should end early next year, after which he expects to return to the Salem National Guard post.
The plaque certificate presented with the flag reads “Operation Iraqui Freedom, This American flag was flown during a life-saving MEDEVAC mission vicinity Balad, Iraq, on 10 June 2009 in a UH-60L Blackhawk helicopter 9626669, call sign ‘Pusher Dustoff 37.’ It is honorably presented to St. Mary Catholic School for your support of Charlie Company, 7-158th Aviation Regiment and their mission to save the wounded, Oregon Dustoff.”
The certificate is signed by Rush, who was pilot in command; Bradley Stoller, pilot; Michael Buchan, crew chief and Benjamin Sjullie, flight medic.
Both the flag and certificate can be viewed in the display case across from the school office.
The display includes pictures of many of the school’s families and friends currently serving in the armed forces or who have served in the past.
“St. Mary students and staff are grateful for the service of all our veterans,” said Debi O’Bryant, school communication director.
