Giving Old Glory New Life

Giving Old Glory New Life

By CAPT Jim Gillcrist, USN (Ret.)

In this NHA business, I have the distinct privilege of meeting, chatting, and working with many members of the organization we love, each and every day. When civilian friends ask me what I am doing, I tell them that I am back in the Navy interacting with Officers and Sailors who wear gold or silver wings on their chests – each one of whom earn my immediate trust and respect. Interestingly, many of these great Americans continue to serve their country, their local community, and / or NHA well beyond their time in service.

CDR Tom Pocklington, USN (Ret.) is one of these impressive individuals with whom I have collaborated these past few years to give new life to retired American flags. You see, Tom has been invested in the San Diego community most of his adult life, first as a Naval Officer and Aviator flying H-3s at NAS North Island over a 24-year career, and then as a Real Estate Broker and Adjunct Professor at National University after transitioning from the Navy.

During this same time, Tom took an active part in keeping the San Diego community a desirable and safe place to live. Activities include his membership in the Sweetwater Valley Civic Association (1985-2012) where he also served as President, and his appointment as Chairman of the Citizen Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. CLERB serves to provide citizens with an independent overview of the San Diego Sheriff's Department, Juvenile and County Jails, and Corrections Officers (1999-2004). Additionally, Tom was elected to the Board of Directors of the BonitaSunnyside Fire District in 1990 and re-elected for eight additional terms, resulting in a total of 32 years of service. Notably, the Bonita-Sunnyside Fire Department is regarded as one of the best departments in all of San Diego County.

Lastly, of all Tom’s professional accomplishments, he is most proud of helping to establish the Bonita Veterans Memorial in 2005 (right in front of the Bonita Library) in tribute to local veterans. On its plaque is inscribed … “IN HONOR OF THOSE WHO SERVED - IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO DIED.” Year round, a 15 by 25 foot flag flies over the memorial as a constant reminder to all that this country is the land of the free and home of the brave. Every nine months, these flags are retired and presented to a person, or organization that will continue to honor veterans, active military, or citizens of America. Tom began finding homes for these flags to continue to be flown and NHA has become a regular recipient. These days, NHA offers retired flags that are still serviceable to Navy units to hang prominently on a wall in a hangar or against a bulkhead aboard a ship for ceremonial purposes. To date, these retired flags have been given new life as they have found homes with HSC-3, HSC-14, HSC-21, HSC-23, HSM-40, HSM-41, HSM-49, HSM-71, VRM-30, VRM-50, and USS San Diego (LPD 22).

Should a command be interested in obtaining one of these flags as a gift, contact the NHA Office (619-435-7139) or myself (executivedirector@navalhelicopterassn.org) and we will be happy to see that you get one.

To my good shipmate and Lifetime Member, Tom Pocklington, the NHA Staff and NHA at large salute you for enriching our San Diego Community and making it a better place in which to live and raise our families – keep your turns up!