Eagle Scout sets up flag disposal sites

Thanks to Kyle Roach, people now have several spots in the community to take American flags for proper disposal.

“As a Scout I would get asked where people could take their old flags,” Roach said. “Upon research I found there were not very many places that you could take your flags.”

Roach reached out to Jason Babcock at the American Legion about the topic, and the idea for his Eagle Scout project was born.

“Some people may not even know there is a proper way to retire flags,” Roach said. “The proper way to retire Old Glory is to burn it and bury the ashes.”

His flag disposal boxes are located at Auer Ace Hardware, Buehler’s, Coshocton City Hall and the West Lafayette Mayor’s Office.

“I wanted to have multiple locations that were in high-traffic areas and under video monitoring in hopes to keep them from being vandalized or trash put in them,” Roach said. “Ace has always been a supporter of the Scouts, so I felt that it would be a good place to put one. Buehler’s had a cardboard box for flags, but I had noticed that it did not hold much and was overflowing at times. Both Coshocton and West Lafayette’s mayors were very supportive of having boxes placed at their offices.”

Coshocton Mayor Mark Mills said it’s great to see a young person do something for their community.

“Our Scouting program is a good program,” he said. “People say there is nothing to do for kids, but our Scouting program is a great option. One person and one project can help with needs in our community. When we all come together, things can improve.”

West Lafayette Mayor Jessie Tubbs said, “This thoughtful project honors our flag and commitment to our community. It amazes me that our youth continue to step up when and where they see a need. Thank you Kyle for providing our village with this service.”

For right now Roach will monitor the boxes, but he is looking into having other Scouts take it on as a project when he leaves for the service.

“A family friend helped me cut out and build the boxes,” Roach said. “Ernie Fry, who has a woodshop and is the owner of Killing Tree Winery, was a major supporter of my project. As a Scout I am not allowed to use saws, so I would go out several times a week and we would work on the boxes. Muskingum Grinding and Machine helped with the aluminum lids and donated their time and materials. It was important to me to make sure they would withstand outdoor conditions. Then my parents and girlfriend helped me get the finishing touches.”

Roach is very thankful for all those who made the project possible.

“I would like to give a special thanks to Jason Babcock and the American Legion 65 for working with me and their donation to help me get this project started; Jeff Mullet, owner of Muskingum Grinding and Machine, for donating their materials and time for making the aluminum lids; Ernie Fry for all his time, expertise and support; Rusty Fry for helping with power coating of the lids; and my parents and girlfriend for their support and help pushing me over the finish line,” Roach said.

Roach is with Troop 403 and has been with them since starting Scouts in second grade.

“It is such a relief to have my Eagle project completed,” he said. “It was a lot of hours to put these boxes together, but I truly love our country and respect the meaning of Old Glory and how it should be cared for.”

American flags should be retired when they are faded, worn or ripped.