Veterans organization, RTI show support of local law enforcement
By Correne Martin
The Vietnam Veterans of America and River Town Ironworks, in Prairie du Chien, recently donated a metal Back the Blue flag to the Prairie du Chien Police Department in a gesture of support for local law enforcement. The flag is displayed at the law enforcement center.
Steve Pape, of Guttenberg, Iowa, a national associate member of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), spearheaded this effort, alongside River Town Ironworks’ co-owner Jim Armstrong and the company’s employees. RTI donated a portion of the time and materials that went into fabricating, cutting and painting the flag—which is one of the unique products the local manufacturer makes and sells regularly.
“We just wanted to show our support for our police,” Armstrong said.
RTI has worked with Pape on 501(c)3 veterans fundraisers in the tri-state area previously, to collect funds that can assist veterans with cost of living issues.
As an associate member of the VVA, Pape serves veterans in Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. He seeks out veterans, advocates for them and then helps them get the assistance they need regarding a full range of issues, including health care, disability, public perception, etc.
Any veterans looking for assistance may contact him at (563) 495-1728. Pape hasn’t been able to make as wide of rounds in meeting with veterans due to coronavirus safety concerns, but he welcomes phone calls at this time especially.
“Our police are our military within our own borders, in my opinion,” Pape said, upon facilitating the Back the Blue flag donation.