The thing we had a lot of requests for is American flags. Everyone wants those. We're out of them now but we're trying to get more as quickly as possible.

Often, individuals make requests important only to them. If an agency wants to stonewall, the likelihood of being challenged in court is practically nil. Most people don't have the resources or the time to challenge an agency's denial in court.

I was proud to see those American flags. I wanted them to wave them high so that everyone -- including the news helicopters -- could get the message that they love America, they're a part of America.

We know of fishing vessels that carry up to twelve different flags on board, and they re-flag their ship at sea,

I don't think any other mission could be this rewarding for us. We have large American flags painted on both sides of all of our Chinooks. When we land in these villages the people point to the flags and let us know how grateful they are that we have come to help.

Nail to the mast her holy flag, Set every threadbare sail, And give her to the God of storms, The lightning and the gale.