Flags of Valor, the largest producer of wooden American flags in the United States, trains veterans in the crafts of woodworking to produce wooden flags and a growing array of related products.

Flags are handmade by its team of American combat veterans who served honorably overseas fighting wars as far back as the Vietnam War, and as current as the recent uprisings in Iraq and Syria. Brian Steorts is a founder of Flags for Valor, and he served in the 82nd Airborne unit of the U.S. Army. He got injured on his 9th deployment. During rehab, he needed an outlet for his depression. He found that outlet in making flags.

“We believe there is no better way to continue honoring a heritage of service than by making our nation’s family crest: the American flag. Our products aren’t just wooden flags, but living memorials of service,” says the group spokesperson. “They capture the shared values that fuel the American spirit.” Flags of Valor has employed more than 70 veterans, raised over $1.25 million for veteran charities, and produced in excess of 100,000 hours of veteran powered American manufacturing labor.