SPRINGTOWN — Master Sgt. Jim Rodriguez, retired, a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran and vice president of Taco Casa, delivered a patriotic and powerful message at the Feb. 27 Springtown Chamber of Commerce luncheon about his life, career and the F.L.A.G. program he started in schools.
Rodriguez spent 21 years in the Air Force, including 19 as a basic military training instructor at Lackland Air Force Base. Rodriguez recalled the story of his unexpected draft notice during the Vietnam War while attending MacMurray University. He was given 30 days to choose a branch of service and Rodriguez decided to enlist in the Air Force. His military service led him to become a welcoming face for thousands of young service members.
“I was the one that wore the ‘Smokey the Bear’ hat and welcomed young men and women into the United States Air Force at Lackland,” Rodriguez said.
After retiring in 1992, Rodriguez has remained committed to serving his country in other ways. He now plays a major role in educating young students about American history and proper flag etiquette through a program he started 15 years ago. He recounted a moment that inspired his current mission — watching a school janitor mishandle the flag outside his daughter’s school in Waxahachie.
“That flag was on the ground and kids were just walking by, not caring,” Rodriguez said. “Retired Master Sgt. Jim Rodriguez was sitting behind the wheel going, ‘Not on my watch.’” This moment led him to establish the F.L.A.G. program, which stands for flying, lowering and gathering. In this program, Rodriguez teaches students the history, the sacrifice and the significance of the American flag.
“Not in my wildest dream, not in my wildest visions did I ever think that I was going to be in 20 states and in 150 schools,” Rodriguez said. “Do you think our kids should understand about the men and women who have given their lives for this flag? We teach them how to respect and honor the American flag.”
The program currently operates within schools like Gainesville, Waxahachie and Decatur. In Decatur, 160 students have enrolled, learning how to properly raise and lower the flag plus studying about its history. For example, Rodriguez spoke about how the Pledge of Allegiance has changed over time. As part of the program, students receive a citizenship award, a flag lapel pin, a challenge coin and Walmart gift cards to celebrate their accomplishments. To support the initiative, Rodriguez sells American flags and challenge coins at events across the country.
Rodriguez has no political agenda; he just wants to educate everyone he comes across.
“I don’t care if you’re Democrat, Republican, liberal,” Rodriguez said. “I don’t care what you want. As long as you honor that American flag and as long as you know what it stands for, you’re okay in my book.”
Rodriguez said the program comes at no cost to schools because he personally raises the funds himself.
“I knock on doors,” Rodriguez said. “I’m the founder, president, fundraiser, public relations — you name it, I do it.”
Another reason Rodriguez started this program was to highlight the sacrifices American service members made during the Vietnam war. Rodriguez specifically pointed out the number 33,103 which is how many 18-year-olds who tragically lost their lives in Vietnam.
“That was my generation,” Rodriguez said. “They didn’t come back to be sons, brothers, uncles, or future dads. I don’t take freedom lightly. I took an oath to defend that flag and I will never stop.”
Rodriguez wants students in Springtown ISD to learn the same values of respect and honor for the American flag that he has spent the majority of his life upholding.
“I can’t change it by myself,” he said. “But I think we’re here to stay.”
Master Sgt. Jim Rodriguez, retired, educated members of the Springtown Area Chamber of Commerce about his F.L.A.G. program.
