Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers are proud to introduce new American flag retirement boxes at both our Bellaire and East Jordan locations as part of our continued commitment to supporting veterans and strengthening community partnerships throughout Northern Michigan.
The custom metal boxes were designed and built by advanced welding students in the Career Tech program at East Jordan Middle/High School under the leadership of welding instructor Dave Muladore.
Students Konyr Lewin, Mason Shiers, and Jonny Cosier led the project, applying their technical welding skills in a meaningful real-world setting rooted in service, patriotism, and community impact. Toby Prevo Residential Services also assisted with painting and finishing the boxes.
The completed flag retirement boxes are located in the entryways of both Health Center locations and provide community members with a respectful and accessible way to retire worn or damaged American flags in accordance with proper flag etiquette.
Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers will work alongside community partners including local Girl Scout troops, the American Legion, Veterans Affairs offices, and the Antrim County Veterans group to ensure retired flags are handled and disposed of respectfully.
This initiative also supports the Health Centers’ growing Veteran SALUTE programming and ongoing efforts to better serve veterans through both Primary Care and Behavioral Health services.
The ECRI SALUTE initiative focuses on helping healthcare organizations better understand and respond to the unique physical and mental health needs veterans may face, including service-related injuries, toxic exposures, and mental health concerns.
“This project brought together two important areas of growth within our Behavioral Health programming, veterans and youth,” said Cynthia Pepin, Behavioral Health Director at Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers. “It created an opportunity for students to use their talents in service to veterans and our community while also helping raise awareness about the importance of accessible veteran support services locally.”
Each student involved in the project brought unique goals and experiences to the work:
- Mason Shiers plans to continue his welding education and pursue advanced certifications.
- Jonny Cosier regularly applies welding skills through work on his family’s farm.
- Konyr Lewin values welding as a practical skill that promotes independence and self-sufficiency.
Expanding Veteran Behavioral Health Services
As part of the Health Centers’ growing Veteran SALUTE initiative, Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers continue expanding support services for veterans throughout Northern Michigan.
Behavioral Health services are available to veterans regardless of whether they are established primary care patients of the Health Center, helping reduce barriers to accessing care locally. Bellaire and East Jordan Family Health Centers also accept TRICARE insurance.
The initiative focuses on improving awareness, access, and support for veterans facing service-related physical and mental health challenges while strengthening partnerships throughout the community.
We are grateful to East Jordan Public Schools, Dave Muladore, Toby Prevo Residential Services, our student welders, and all participating veteran organizations for helping bring this project to life.
