November 11, 2016
Betty Holsonback likes to get things done. When she heard about an idea to install a flagpole in honor of veterans at the Marshall Cancer Care Center where she volunteers, she went to work.
“I thought that would be something I could do for my special veteran that he could see while he was living,” she said.
Betty went to work mailing letters to the couple’s friends, asking for donations of $1 and up. Betty and her husband, LaDon, are retired rural mail carriers. Many donations came from carriers throughout the state and even out of state in honor of LaDon, who was stationed in Japan during the Vietnam era. LaDon was in the Air Force and his two brothers served in the Army. At 69, he is battling dementia.
Mrs. Holsonback’s efforts raised a substantial amount of the needed money. Other generous donors also contributed to the effort. The flagpole will be dedicated on Veteran’s Day Nov. 11 in a ceremony at 3 pm. The public is invited.
“It will show veterans that people care about them,” Mrs. Holsonback says. “Veterans had to fight for our country, just as people with cancer have to fight for their health. As people drive past the flagpole on 431, I hope they will see that we’re proud of our veterans.”
Cindy Sparkman, director of the Marshall Cancer Care Center, said the idea for a flagpole was first raised when the Cancer Center was located inside Marshall South. A patient’s wife suggested something patriotic was needed in the clinic. Her husband, who was not expected to live much longer, was a veteran of the Vietnam War. It was near Memorial Day, so before he returned for his next treatment, the staff made sure to place some patriotic decorations in the chemo area.
“It was such a little thing, but it seemed to make a big difference to this patient and his wife,” she recalls. “That event helped me begin to recognize just how many veterans we serve and how important it is to honor their service while we have the opportunity.”
After moving to the new location, Sparkman said she often thought about the need for a flag on the campus – one that everyone could see driving by, but also one that patients, particularly the veterans, could see from the lobby or chemo area as they receive treatment. However, there was always another need that seemed to take precedence.
“I was so excited when The Foundation for MMC agreed to help us promote this project and raise the needed funds to see it come to fruition,” she says. “I am particularly appreciative of the amazing effort Betty Holsonback has put into ‘raising funds to raise the flag’. Within 24 hours of hearing me say we were going to do this, Betty had brought me several donations. She has continued to collect money ever since. I have had many donations mailed to us in honor of her husband, LaDon because of her efforts. Through her efforts, Betty has certainly shown her love and devotion for her husband, and her respect for all veterans.”
The Veterans’ Flagpole at Marshall Cancer Care Center will honor veterans with a permanent monument at the base of the illuminated 40-foot flagpole engraved with names of the honorees.
“The Foundation is honored to be able to play a small role in raising the flag and recognizing our local veterans,” says Andrea Oliver, director of The Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers. “Much like the construction of the Cancer Care Center, this was a one-time opportunity we knew our community would rally around and we were not disappointed.”
If you would like to show your support and honor your veteran with a Stars or Stripes contribution, call (256)571-8026 or visit foundation@mmcenters.com.