A Sign of Support

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 8, 2009) –University of Kentucky student veterans, along with other members of the campus community hope the gift of a special UK flag will send an important message to the men and women serving in Fort Hood, Texas.   

It has been just over one month since tragedy struck at Fort Hood. Hundreds from around UK's campus wanted to make sure the people there know they haven’t been forgotten.  Last week, they signed their names and even wrote personal messages on a UK flag that was sent directly to Fort Hood. 

The idea started with John Lindsey, a management senior, who was stationed at Fort Hood from 2004 to 2007.   From a thousand miles away, John watched as tragedy unfolded on television.

“I felt helpless, I felt something needed to be done, to show our support as a community,” said Lindsey. “I wanted to let them know that we appreciate what they do.”

He contacted Tony Dotson, coordinator of the Veterans Resource Center, to see how he could generate a wider range of support. Dotson and the student veterans group, UK Military Veterans of America, eventually collected hundreds of signatures and personal messages on a UK flag.

“The flag is the ultimate symbol of unity.  Each signature represents UK’s unwavering support of those lost and those who serve our country,” said Dotson.

While the flag was sent to the Army Medical Unit responsible for running the processing station where the tragedy occurred, those involved with the project hope the flag will be a symbol of support for everyone at Fort Hood.

For more or information about the Veterans Resource Center or to find out how you can get involved, contact Tony Dotson at (859) 257-1184.