Jul 10, 2025

Voices of Valor: Pulling Down Saddam's Statue

At PureTalk, we believe honoring our Veterans is more than a gesture—it’s a commitment. That’s why we launched Flags for Heroes, a campaign inviting Americans to nominate a Veteran to receive a made-in-America American flag from Allegiance Flag Supply, along with a chance to share their story.

Now, we’re proud to introduce Voices of Valor—a new series born out of this campaign. This is where we’ll share the stories behind the nominations, shining a light on the service, sacrifice, and strength of the men and women who wear the uniform.

In this post, we’re honored to feature three of these inspiring stories. And this is just the beginning.

AARON JOHNSON, U.S. Army

Aaron Johnson

Aaron Johnson joined the Army just before 9/11 and deployed four times in the years that followed. He was boots on the ground the night the war in Iraq began. What was expected to be a four-month mission turned into 14. He was there when his unit pulled down Saddam Hussein’s statue—an unforgettable moment in history.

On his third deployment, Aaron provided security for Iraq’s first democratic election.

He’s lost several brothers in combat. And back home, he missed countless milestones—like watching his children take their first steps or say their first words.

But to this day, every time he sees the American flag, it reminds him of both the sacrifice and the pride. “It brings a smile to my face,” he says. “Because that flag means we’re a free nation. And that freedom hasn’t come free.”

EMILIO VASQUEZ, U.S. Army

Emilio Vasquez

Emilio Vazquez made the decision to serve on his 21st birthday—September 11, 2001. Just one month later, in October 2001, he joined the U.S. military.

Over the next 21 years, he deployed six times to Iraq and Afghanistan. It was, he says, the best decision he ever made.

As a New Yorker, the attacks on 9/11 hit close to home. “I felt I needed to serve my country,” Emilio says, “to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”

Now three years into retirement, Emilio continues to live a life of purpose—supporting his fellow Veterans and giving back to his local community.

JOHN MCEANANY, U.S. Army

John Mceanany

John McEanany enlisted in the U.S. Army right out of high school in 1971. He completed basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and went on to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, to train as a combat engineer.

His next assignment took him to Fort Hood, Texas, followed by a 13-month deployment to Korea in 1972, where he was assigned to the 44th Engineer Battalion. During his time there, John wore many hats—driving a 5-ton dump truck, operating a 20-ton crane, climbing poles, and even working security at the main gate.

After Korea, he returned stateside to finish out his service at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where he served as a firefighter. That experience led to his post-military career as a paid federal firefighter at Marine Corps Base Quantico.

John is deeply proud of his time in the Army. “I would do it all over again if I could,” he says.

These are just a few of the many incredible stories shared through our Voices of Valor campaign.

Each one is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices our Veterans have made—and the strength, integrity, and patriotism they continue to embody.