It was ten years ago that Sons of the Flag was created by Ryan “Birdman” Parrot in Dallas to support just one man who had suffered severe burns while serving his country. Ryan’s efforts were the result of his “learning of minimal advancements in burn care advancements since the Vietnam Era.”
Soon it became evident that in addition to other vets with similar circumstances, there were countless others including first responders and children throughout the country who had suffered traumatic burns. Thanks to funds, Sons of the Flag expanded beyond North Texas and was able to assist funding medical fellowships and patient needs.
To celebrate its tenth anniversary and to salute the hometown where it all started, the majority of funds raised through this year’s activities will benefit UT Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Hospital.
Co-Chairing Sons Of The Flag’s “Ten-Year Anniversary” will be former Green Beret Teal Griffeth and his wife Annie Griffeth along with his parents Louise and Guy Griffeth, who have signed up as honorary co-chairs.
According to Louise, “Guy and I are honored to join Annie and Teal in their mission to raise critical funds for several burn care programs, including burn fellowships at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Hospital, both of which will receive a major portion of the funds raised at the Sons of the Flag’s ‘Ten-Year Anniversary Celebration.’”
The two-day celebration will start with a Red-Carpet Movie Premiere on Sunday, November 6, at the Meadows Museum of Art. The following day (Monday, November 7) the Stars and Stripes Luncheon will take place at the Dallas Country Club with a lineup of speakers including Peter Bielskis and Thomas DeCarlo – World War II; Jim Nicholson and Doyle Vergon – Korea; Dennis Bielskis and Gary Lane – Vietnam; Gary Tanner – Cold War; Jon Hyman – Persian Gulf; Leroy Petry – Afghanistan and FDNY 9/11 Firefighter John Walters III.
Sponsorships and tickets are available here.
* Graphic courtesy of Sons of the Flag