ROCKVILLE– Staff at the Rockville Correctional Facility (RCF) gathered together to celebrate Veteran’s Day and the military contributions of staff, friends, and family at the facility’s annual Field of Flags. This ceremony is an opportunity for staff to take a few minutes to reflect on the sacrifices in service to our country.
The Field of Flags is the brainchild of a now-retired RCF Community Volunteer Coordinator, Rita Steed. Rita oversaw the ceremony for the first seven years before passing it on to RCF’s current Community Volunteer Coordinator, Susie Martin. Susie brings together the supplies, the sponsorships, and the people to pull off what is truly a beautifully and touching ceremony.
The Indiana Department of Correction Southern Region Honor Guard posted the colors for the event. Max Ditto, a retired RCF Correctional Officer and a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, returned for officiating duties. Max read the name of every member of the RCF family who is currently serving, has served, or remains with us in memory. Former RCF Warden, Julie Stout, who is transitioning into another IDOC role, was awarded an American Flag for her dedicated support of the Field of Flags over the past 17 years.
This year $1700 was raised. That money will go to the Indiana Veterans Home in West Lafayette, Indiana. Additionally, incarcerated individuals in RCF’s Purposeful Living Unit Serves(PLUS) Program are preparing holiday-themed gift bags containing sugar-free candy and thank-you notes for the residents in honor of their service.
RCF wishes to thank our community sponsors for the Field of Flags: Max Ditto, G&M Ace Hardware, Inc., G&M Variety, Inc., James & Gary Hanner Law Partnership, Kirby Foods, Inc., McVay Family Chiropractic, Inc., Parke County AMVETS Post #61, Parke County Community Foundation, Paul Taylor Post #1752-VFW, Tony Kashon Post #290 – American Legion (Rosedale).
