April 21, 2005

American flag takes long flight back to Purdue residence halls

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – After a round-trip from West Lafayette to the Middle East, an American flag that flew aboard an Air Force plane as part of a mission in Iraq will be on display in Earhart Hall to serve as a reminder about American troops serving abroad.

The flag, which was part of a care package sent by staff members from Earhart and Shreve halls, is on display in the hall's dining court lobby, along with a certificate of authenticity. Elizabeth Hartley, general manager of both halls, said the flag serves as a symbolic reminder of the sacrifices made by American troops, particularly those who are students.

"There are many different views on the war in Iraq, but something we can all agree on is support and appreciation of American troops," Hartley said. "Many Purdue students and alumni and their friends and family are among those who are serving in the Middle East and around the world. This flag is a way that we can pay tribute to them and their sacrifices."

In December, instead of exchanging holiday gifts, staff members in Earhart and Shreve halls purchased items, such as toiletries, snacks, puzzle books and games, to send in care packages for American troops serving in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Iraq. Intercollegiate Athletics donated used footballs, and each package was topped off with a U.S. flag provided by the local American Legion.

"Staff members decided we wanted to put our money and our efforts into doing something for other people," Hartley said. "Many of our staff have family and friends who are serving in the military, and this was a way that they could give back to a group of people that is important to all of us."

The staff members sent a total of 17 boxes containing items for the troops.

One of the packages went to Lafayette native Airman First Class Robert Clugh, who was serving with the Air Force in Iraq. Clugh is the nephew of Julie Clugh, a food-service worker at the Earhart Dining Court.

After receiving the box, Robert Clugh arranged for the flag that was included to be flown on a mission over Iraq on an Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle. When his tour of duty in Iraq ended, the flag came back to Lafayette with him.

"My family is all very proud of him," Julie Clugh said. "It was his idea to do this and bring the flag back, and having it here in the hall means a lot to me."

Robert Clugh is currently stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina.

Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Sources: Elizabeth Hartley, (765) 494-2569, ehartley@purdue.edu

Julie Clugh, (765) 496-6925

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: Interviews with Robert Clugh's family can be arranged by contacting Matt Holsapple, Purdue News Service, at (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu.

Related Web site:
Purdue University Residences

To the News Service home page