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Before we get started, this is not a hockey story. With that said, the story of the US Honor Flag is inspiring, and almost any type of team can draw a lesson from the organization's mission. What you are going to see below was taken, with permission, from the organization's site. Also of note, I am very proud to say that my brother, Christopher Heisler is the founder. In the past, the US Honor Flag has made been hosted by the El Paso Rhinos, Fresno Monsters, and Topeka RoadRunners. Teams that would like to host this national treasure at one of their home games should contact Christopher directly.
Shortly after the September 11, 2001 attacks, a flag was gifted to Chris Heisler by the Texas House of Representatives. Like many Americans, Heisler felt compelled to take action during a horrific time for the United States, and with this flag in tow, he set out for Ground Zero. Along the way, Heisler helped to organize one of the longest police motorcades in the history of the United States, bound for Ground Zero bringing many tokens of support together with other agencies, to our nation's Heroes. Since September 2001, the United States Honor Flag has paid tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty protecting our lives, our homes and our country, and also those who currently serve our communities and our nation.
The Honor Network was founded on the conviction that every person who is committed in service to our communities and country deserves the support of every single American, and that an increase in American patriotism is vital in keeping our great nation united.
As The Honor Network President and Co-Founder, Chris Heisler is charged with upholding the organization's mission to remind Americans of the sacrifices made by the men and women in uniform; a subject with which he has first-hand knowledge.
In April of 2003, Chris put his career on hold and enlisted in the United States Army. He participated in a special program with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command where he utilized his extensive IT background to help develop a gang member intelligence database that was used by area police and federal law enforcement.
He has experienced success in the professional world also and currently serves as a federal energy compliance and regulations manager for a major technology company. In 2009, he received a congressional nomination to sit on the NERC standards board.
To honor all our nation's Heroes, The Honor Network participates with organizations that parallel its mission by participating in national memorials to honor our nation's Heroes. Among these is the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, whose mission is to honor and remember America's fallen fire Heroes and to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives. Each October, The Honor Network sends the United States Honor Flag to the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland where the Foundation sponsors the national tribute to all firefighters who died in the line of duty the previous year. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is an organization dedicated to honoring and remembering the service and sacrifice of America's law enforcement officers. Each May, The Honor Network sends the United States Honor Flag to the National Police Week observance to participate in events to honor our fallen law enforcement Heroes.
Stephen Heisler resides in Puerto Penasco with his wife, Maria, and their two children, Sonia and Tomas. Friend him on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/stephen.heisler for more information and pictures from Mexico.
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