Flags a symbol of hope, pride for military families

Cathy Vairo makes service flags and special banners for families with children or other relatives in the armed forces at her Carson City business, Battle Born Industries.

With a war in Iraq looming, business is brisk. But Viaro said that for her, the real payoff is coming through the people ordering flags.

"Working here, we get a different perspective on the war," she said. "We get to hear their stories and talk to their families."

"This past Sunday, troops in the Middle East got five minutes for satellite phone calls," she said. "I talked to many who received those calls, and overall I'd say parents and wives are proud -- but they're scared, too."

Michael Sullivan ordered his service flag by e-mail. The Air Force veteran said the hardest thing he's ever done was sending his son off knowing he would have to carry a syringe to administer an antidote to nerve gas.

One mother, whose son is on the USS Roosevelt in the Mediterranean, complained in a telephone call to Battle Born that her son isn't writing. Another mother called to order a service flag from Georgia. She was up at 1 a.m. waiting for a call from her daughter, who is in the Middle East.

"These people who have touched my life -- that's been the most satisfying part of this work," Vairo said. "Hopefully, I have been able to give something back."

Employees are busy at the small business at 1809 N. Carson St. The phone rings almost constantly. Many employees were hired for the temporary increase in business, and they've all been willing to go the extra mile, Vairo said.

"I'm so pleased with them," she said. "The people calling in need someone to talk to, and my employees are very empathetic and willing to listen."

She said 98 percent of her business comes through its Web site. The rest comes by phone and e-mail.

"We start at 8 a.m. and work as long as long as we can stand it," she said.

The flags bear a blue star for each family member serving in the Armed Forces. The stars are on a field of white against a red background.

A tradition since World War I, they must be authorized by the Department of Defense and are required to meet certain specifications when sold commercially.

Only family members of those in military service are allowed to display the flags.

Capt. Robert L. Queissner of the 5th Ohio Infantry, who had two sons serving on the front lines in World War I, designed and patented the flag, which quickly became the unofficial symbol for families with a child in the service.

During World War II, the practice became widespread. Most homes and organizations displayed banners to indicate the number of members of the family or organization in uniform.

When a blue star is replaced with a gold star, it means someone died in the conflict. The blue star represents hope and pride; the gold star, sacrifice to the cause of liberty and freedom.

The company also produces service unity pins, created to establish a universal symbol of U.S. support of military and their families during the war against terrorism.E

Originally from Santa Cruz, Calif., Vairo worked for Kmart for 22 years as an office manager and technical-support human resources trainer. She moved to Carson City with her husband and two young daughters. Her brother, David Smith, is a partner in the business. He works in the state prison system. Battle Born Industries began in Smith's garage in October 2001.

For more information, visit Battle Born's Web site at www.serviceflags.com or call 841-6227.