| Project by DeLayne Peck | posted 06-04-2019 07:15 AM | 778 views | 1 time favorited | 5 comments |  |
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On 6 August 2011, a U.S. CH-47D Chinook military helicopter operating with the call sign Extortion 17 (pronounced “one-seven”) was shot down while transporting an Immediate Reaction Force. The resulting crash killed all 38 people on board. Thirty-one (31) American military personnel were killed. The loss of Extortion 17 represents the greatest single-incident loss of American lives in Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan.
In memory and tribute to Extortion 17, we fly the American flag from our home every day, year-round, weather permitting. Given the flag’s meaning to my wife and I, just rolling up and leaning in a corner seemed sacrilegious. Now in foul weather, it stands proudly erect in our dining room.
Notes: Red oak finished in Minwax Golden Oak and 3 coats of poly. The base is 10” in diameter and it stands 8 1/2” high. It is constructed of 16 mitered pieces of 3/4 ” stock. To save drilling, the column was assembled around a 1 1/8” open interior square to accommodate a 1” Dia. flagstaff, then capped with a receiver..
-- DJ Peck, Lincoln Nebraska. Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
5 comments so far
PaulDoug
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#1 posted 06-04-2019 02:04 PM
Beautiful flag stand and a wonderful tribute.
-- “We all die. The goal isn't to live forever; the goal is to create something that will.” - Chuck Palahniuk
DnD
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#2 posted 06-04-2019 02:43 PM
DeLayne, what a terrific tribute to a noble cause! Beautiful work my friend. God Bless America.
-- Brian in Texas
robscastle
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#3 posted 06-05-2019 10:11 PM
Very nice work, its a pity the dedication details are not visible.
Sadly 30 personel who thought their welfare was fully protected by their country were let down in a big way.
You know they never acknowledged the working dogs name, ... poor form, all round.
On a more lighter side “3 coats of poly” .... thats a worry for the birds!!
-- Regards Rob
Sam Shakouri
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#4 posted 06-30-2019 12:59 PM
CONGRATULATIONS for DT3. I feel sorry for the victims, let them RIP. And thank you for your comment.
-- The Time You Enjoy Wasting Is Not Wasted Time.
DeLayne Peck
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#5 posted 06-30-2019 04:16 PM
Rob,
Most of the families that share the loss of a son on Extortion 17 have remained close and have stayed in touch. John Douangdara, Navy, was the specialist dog handler on Extortion 17. The dog’s name is Bart. In Sioux City Nebraska there is a monument to John and Bart. The monument is located in a new dog park constructed in their honor.
The Douangdaras are a lovely Laotion American family that fled communism and settled in Sioux City.
-- DJ Peck, Lincoln Nebraska. Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.
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