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I am a 16-year, nine combat tour veteran of the United States Air Force. After sustaining multiple service-connected injuries, suffering multiple organ and heart failure, receiving two mechanical heart valves, and dying three times during open heart surgery; I was medically retired in 2014 with a 100% disability rating . I was told I would never be the same person I was before my injuries.
The life I knew and loved was ruined, and I lost all my self-value and purpose. I started a downward spiral of depression and despair. I found myself trapped in the dark and cold place that others were unable to escape.
I decided to regain control and make a change in my life by using my experiences to help others and use my natural gift of art and talents in fine and custom woodworking and communication to supplement and enhance my therapy and recovery.
Throughout my career in the United States Air Force, we were trained to live and work by principles that established and defined our moral framework. These values have carried over into my life beyond the Air Force and have developed into what defines me and my business.
USCO Flags is centered around four core values: Pride, purpose, passion, and precision.
I wholeheartedly believe that the products I make are a direct reflection of who I am and what I represent. I take an extraordinary amount of pride in the wood flags and cornhole boards that I make. When you buy one of my products, you are allowing a piece of me into your home. I want you to be proud to show people what you have purchased from us and have a sense of pride and purpose of your own that you have played an active part in my recovery, and helping others champion their own struggles.
I have a deep passion for creating wood flags, cornhole boards, and many other different types and designs of custom pieces. From wood flags and cornhole boards to wood toys for my son, and retirement shadowboxes and challenge coin display cases for those who have served their country and community.
USCO Flags isn’t just a business, it’s an extension of me. I have always been artistically gifted. After my grand mal seizure in 2015, my gift transformed into a lifeline and escape. My journey to recovery through my passion of art and woodworking, helping others through their own struggles, being able to provide people with a truly unique product has led me to starting my small business, USCO Flags.
The pieces I make aren't just manufactured slabs of wood for the sole purpose of profit or recognition. Every piece is infused with my emotions, struggles, setbacks, and triumphs. They are rooted with my purpose and my passion. The ability to make a difference today, conquer tomorrow, and help others champion their own storm in their journey through difficult times.
Starting USCO Flags and making the finest wood flags and cornhole boards has helped restore the purpose I lost when my life was forever changed. It provides me the opportunity to help others when they feel they have lost their purpose and educate people how to use and apply alternative and highly effective forms of therapy and mindfulness without depending on medication. It has given me another invaluable tool to help me apply and share the skills I continue to learn in therapy in my own personal journey to recovery.
I build for me. I build with everything I am because I want you to know that when you own something I’ve made; it’s not a poorly built, meaningless, and mindlessly manufactured product. It’s a piece of my past and my future. It's my strength and purpose. It’s a source of motivation and determination for my continued recovery. My goal is that what I build becomes a symbol of strength and happiness, and a reminder to cherish every single moment in life. It’s an heirloom to be passed down from generation to generation, helping create memories that will hopefully help bring families closer.
A business and those who represent it are not defined by their words, but by their actions and the quality of the product they create. I take an extraordinary amount of pride in the wood flags and cornhole boards that I make.
The level of craftsmanship and my attention to detail is unmatched. I carefully inspect every piece of wood for the most beautiful grain pattern, have no flaws, and ensuring the boards are straight. From raw materials and uncut pieces of wood, I meticulously and accurately measure and cut every piece of wood. I carefully design and paint my flags and cornhole boards and take the extra time to ensure the designs are proportionately accurate and painted to the highest standard. I refuse to release a product until I am 100% satisfied and when it exceeds my very high standards.
As an Air Force Military Training Instructor, I used to be called the “Monster.” I had endless energy, a passion for teaching, and I was in my prime. Six months after finishing my tour as an instructor, I was fighting for my life from an unforeseen illness that would not only ravage my body, but send me into the depths of despair that would put me to the ultimate test....