CHARLESTON, W.Va. — An American flag that was flown in Afghanistan in 2014 is now framed and on display inside the HealthNet Aeromedical Services building on Charleston’s West Side.
It was flown by Scott Osbourne, a HealthNet flight paramedic, who served in the U.S. Army Reserve while stationed at a remote camp in Afghanistan in September 2014. He did so to honor all HealthNet team members who have served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
“We found a flag pole and built it there on front of our tent and we ran flags up that because we couldn’t see a flag in sight until your got to one of our administrative areas,” Osbourne said as he recalled his time overseas.
The flag, that was placed on a wall in the office, was revealed Thursday to HealthNet employees. There is also a tablet next to the flag that tells Osbourne’s story.
“Even though he’s on an Afghan mountain top, he’s still thinking of what this organization represents,” said Clinton Burley, president and CEO of HealthNet. “It’s a true honor to have this.”
Osbourne said he wants the flag to leave a lasting impression when people walk by it.
“Really what I hope they think about is not just myself, but everyone that works here, that has worked here, that’s served our country,” he said. “I just hope they think about all the service members who have given their time.”
The organization was also recognized as a Patriotic Employer by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve group.
Burley said they will continue to support their employees who serve the country.
“Our job is to make sure that their jobs are here waiting for them when they come back,” he said. “They’re putting their lives on the line for the country and that’s part of what this organization is about.”
HealthNet Aeromedical Services is a non-profit critical care transport system operated by Charleston Area Medical Center, Cabell Huntington Hospital and WVU Medicine.