Local soldier sends flag back to his high school

Elk Rapids High School was the scene of a special assembly and special presentation to recognize Veterans Day. Thanks to 1991 graduate Brandon Stites, there is something much bigger going on here.

The Army Pilot and Chief Warrant Officer recently sent an American flag to the school. It's a flag that flew over Iraq during a combat reconnaissance mission in the Al-Anbar province.

Elk Rapids Junior Natalie Ranger says "It shows students that people are really fighting, and gives them a sense of what's really going on over there. Someone who was a student like us is fighting in the war, and now he's sending something home, it's pretty cool." Alexis Floyd agrees. "We don't really think about what Veterans have done for us, and having these types of assemblies area a good way to recognize that."

The flag is presented to the student body by another Elk Rapids graduate - Marine Corps veteran and Lt. Colonel Sam Pfeiffer. The Lt. Colonel - who was a Marine Corps pilot in Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm - says it's an honor to give the flag to the students on Veterans Day, and it's an honor to do it on behalf of Brandon Stites - even though the two have never met. "Both Brandon and I have flown the same types of aircraft, both based at the same bases both stateside and overseas."

While Brandon's family couldn't attend on his behalf, we caught up with his grandparents, who were humbled by the gesture and clearly proud that Brandon continues the tradition set by his father - and his grandfather before him. His grandfather, Bill, simply said "Good boy!" And his grandmother Madge, said "We miss you and love you, hope to see you soon."

Brandon is now married, and his family no longer lives in Elk Rapids. But the school is welcoming him back anytime to meet the students and raise the flag at Elk Rapids High School.