Apple Valley cop aids Vietnam veteran after flag incident
- Jim Kulsrud, a Vietnam War veteran, discovered his POW flag had been destroyed upon returning home from a trip.
- Apple Valley police officer Troy Reller learned about the incident and decided to replace the flag, purchasing it with his own money.
- The act of kindness by Reller reflected the community's support for veterans and highlighted the importance of remembering their sacrifices.
In a heartwarming incident in Apple Valley, Minnesota, Jim Kulsrud, a Vietnam War veteran, faced dismay when he returned home to discover that his POW flag had been ripped apart. Kulsrud, who served as an Army medic during the war, has flown the flag outside his home for years to honor prisoners of war and those missing in action, expressing the importance of remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. The defacement of the flag deeply affected him, as it symbolizes the struggles faced by veterans and their families. Upon learning of the situation, Troy Reller, an Apple Valley police officer, took immediate action. Moved by Kulsrud's loss, Reller contacted several stores to find a replacement flag. After locating one, he personally purchased it, showcasing his commitment to honoring veterans. Within a mere two hours of Kulsrud's call, Reller arrived at Kulsrud’s residence with a new flag in hand. The gesture meant a great deal not only to Kulsrud, who was surprised and touched by the officer’s kindness, but also to Reller, who expressed the emotional weight of the circumstances. This incident illustrated the deep sense of community that exists and the collective effort to honor those who have served. Ultimately, Reller’s actions reinforced the idea that small gestures can have significant impacts, especially in honoring the sacrifices of veterans like Kulsrud and fostering a spirit of care and respect within the community.