A Memorial Day Tradition

There’s a natural connection between Texans and military families—a shared tradition of patriotism and stepping up when it matters most. Whether it’s a United Cooperative Services member helping a neighbor after a storm or standing by one another through deployments and homecomings, Texans and military families are known for their loyalty, resilience and strong sense of community.

That collective sense of camaraderie was evident once again among United volunteers in Granbury at this year’s Field of Flags. Hood County residents have gathered there during Memorial Day weekend for the past 12 years. Sponsored by the Military Officers Association of America, the four-day memorial is a touching display of hundreds of American flags placed in the ground to recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of fallen service members. 

U.S. Navy veteran Eric Compton, a United energy solutions specialist from Stephenville, has volunteered every year. 

“I served alongside several military personnel that never came home or came home and took their own life,” Compton said. “Some were great friends. Field of Flags helps us all to never forget that some paid that ultimate price fighting for America’s freedom. It is an honor and very humbling when placing a flag to represent someone who fought with value of service, courage and selflessness while laying down their life for us all.” 

Chad Pence, engineering services manager and U.S. Navy veteran from United’s Burleson office, also is a repeat volunteer for the Field of Flags event.

“I was excited to help out again,” Pence said. “It is a moving display of patriotism and I love how it honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can live in a free democracy.” 

The Story Behind the Flags
Field of Flags was established in 2012 by Granbury resident Gail Joyce, a Gold Star Mother whose youngest son, Sgt. James “Casey” Joyce, was killed in action on Oct. 3, 1993, during the Battle of Mogadishu in Somalia. That mission left 80 American soldiers wounded and 18 dead. It was later depicted in the 2001 film, “Black Hawk Down.”

In 2023, United had the honor of speaking with Joyce about the program and what it meant to her. 

“It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s a great ‘feel-good’ project for me,” she said. “If I couldn’t talk about it, if I couldn’t share stories about it, I don’t think I would have made it.”

Now 86 years old, Joyce needed to step away. Without her leadership, there were questions about who would carry the torch and for a time, it seemed the event might fade away. 

That uncertainty lingered until this year when retired Army Sgt. James Davis learned about the program after seeing flyers in Granbury’s historic square. Moved by its purpose, Davis said he reached out to Joyce to find out how he could help. 

“The moment I sat down with Ms. Joyce and she gave me her story, I knew that I did not come across this program by accident,” Davis said. “Something was pulling me towards it, and I knew that I wanted to take on this huge honor.”

Seven weeks later, Davis stood in Memorial Field delivering opening remarks for the event—now marking its 13th year—thanks in part to his decision to carry the program forward.

“After all the things I have experienced in my life, one thing keeps popping into my head that truly scares me: the thought that all the sacrifices made over the years will disappear with time,” Davis said. “It’s our job to make sure that doesn’t happen. I’m scared to death they’re going to be forgotten. It really bothers me.”

Cathy Castro, a Navy veteran and former chairwoman of the Field of Flags event, said Davis’ passion and commitment quickly made him a natural fit to lead the program into the future. 

“You know, the job must get done no matter what,” she said. “We want to share the importance of carrying this tradition on. It can go away so easily. You need to have passion to do this, I think, and he’s got what it takes.”  

A Shared Commitment to Community
That same sense of purpose is reflected in United’s commitment to community—a core part of the cooperative’s identity and mission. Guided by the seventh cooperative principle, Concern for Community, United supports local efforts like Field of Flags that honor service and bring people together.

Colton Mitchell, first class lineman, and Corbin White, apprentice lineman—both based in Granbury—installed the light to illuminate the flag through the night. 

“It was neat to play a small role in setting up the light that shines on the flag,” Mitchell said. “My granddad is retired military, so holidays like Memorial Day have always been important in my family. We’ve always recognized the sacrifices made so we can enjoy the lives we live.”

Other United volunteers assisted with site preparations, including brush clearing, trimming and concrete repair work to ensure the grounds were ready to safely welcome visitors. 

Raechel Enriquez, member services representative II, was among the volunteers assisting on the Thursday morning.

“It was great to give back and show support for our military,” she said. “I have two veterans in my family, and they sometimes feel overlooked. Being part of this event felt especially meaningful.”

Never Forget
As the flags were gathered and Memorial Field was cleared, the conclusion of the event marked another year of United’s involvement in this community event to honor and remember the men and women who have died while serving our country. In Hood County, a tradition lives on thanks to the dedication of volunteers, organizers and local residents alike who showed up and ensured that the stories of service and sacrifice are honored and not forgotten. 

For Davis, who did seven tours in Afghanistan and retired from the U.S. Army in July 2020, he said Field of Flags is a great way for him to stay involved with the veteran community. 

“I do whatever I can because there are so many people out there in need,” he said. “Some might see it as a small thing, but for a lot of us—especially the people who know the service members whose names are on those flags—it’s a big deal. And whether it’s 10, 15, or 20 years later, their sacrifices don’t change. No matter how long ago it was, it’s important that we remember that.”