Another veteran dissed by his Homeowners Association
Last June I wrote about a Vietnam veteran living in Texas who was having difficulty with his Homeowners Association (HOA) due to the military decals he had on his vehicle. The decals were 
considered “advertisement,” which are prohibited by the HOA’s rules. Mr. Larison commented on our blog that the whole issue was so disturbing that it was affecting his health.
Fast forward to the present. Another veteran faces a battle with his HOA - over a flag pole.
Retired Army Col. Van T. Barfoot wants to fly “Old Glory” from a flag pole that is mounted outside his home in suburban Richmond, VA. Barfoot’s HOA says the pole is not in keeping with the association’s aesthetic guidelines.
Barfoot is a 90-year-old World War II veteran. He is the recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for stopping the advance of 3 German tanks with a bazooka. For his service in Korea and Vietnam, he won the Purple Heart, along with other meritorious decorations. He’s been retired since 1974.
Although he had not spoken directly to President Barack Obama about the situation, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs remarked, “The president believes - I think all of us believe - that the very least we can do is show our gratitude and thanks to somebody that served our country so admirably. It’s silly to … think that somebody that’s done that can’t have a flagpole and … show the proper respect and appreciation that any flag deserves by flying that in their neighborhood.”
Barfoot has the support of a number of veterans groups as well as U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb of Virginia. Warner is making himself available to work with Barfoot and his HOA to reach some sort of compromise.
Let’s hope an understanding can be reached soon.
TALK BACK: Do you think Barfoot should be permitted to fly the flag outside his home despite the HOA rules? Post your comments below.
UPDATE: As of December 9, a resolution has been reached! “Homeowners group backs off flagpole threat.”
Posted by Sharon Walker
