Throughout our Flags for Heroes campaign, we've had the privilege of learning about the incredible veterans who have served our country with courage and dedication. These stories, filled with sacrifice and resilience, serve as a powerful reminder of the true meaning of patriotism.

We’re proud to share the story of Petty Officer First Class Retired Shanley Skolnick, a dedicated veteran who continues to serve his community in extraordinary ways.

Story submitted by Deborah Skolnick “Petty Officer first class retired. Is Santa Claus at Christmas time we have our little charity that we have called Santa4 Military families we collect teddy bears and toys we will give toys out to Veterans children that need them on Christmas morning. Santa will go and give teddy bears to the patient at the military hospital. He will also give them to our local fire department and police department. If we do have toys at that time we will also give the police officers and the fire department Toys to have throughout the year he tries to help everyone that he can he tries to get back to our Veterans. He and I are cofounders of the Chattahoochee Valley, Warriors veterans hockey team, which also allows active duty players. He also served three years as a junior vice commander at the American Legion Post 35 here in Columbus, Georgia and he did serve 20 years in the Navy but he is the kind of veteran that cares and will talk to anyone and if he sees one that is in trouble, he will try to give them resources or he will help get them Help. And in the picture below is Mr. Skolnick and our granddaughter Kylee they go to Macy’s every year and see the children there and Kylee is his little helper"

Thank you, Shanley, for your honorable service, sacrifice, and dedication.

Sarah Moehling