Korean War Vet, Who's Brother Is Still MIA, Fights To Keep Flag Flying – Guardian Of Valor

Korean War Vet Robert Willits- Courtesy WTHR

Greenfield Indiana – Robert Willits is a Korean War Vet, his brother also fought in Korea but never made it home he is still listed on the rosters as MIA. Robert flies the flag that he fought for, and his brother died for, but now his HOA says it’s a violation and must come down.

Courtesy WTHR

A Korean war veteran in Greenfield says his flagpole stands for freedom. His homeowners association says the flagpole breaks the rules.

The dispute stems from American and Missing In Action flags in Robert and Judy Willits’ front yard.

The couple moved to the Fieldstone neighborhood last Christmas. This summer they installed the flagpole.

“It means a lot to me. We fought for that flag,” Robert Willits said.

Both Robert and his brother, Lester, served in the Korean War. Robert was injured. Lester never came home.

“Lester is still there. So I’m going to keep it up,” Robert Willits said.

Last month, the Fieldstone Homeowners Association sent a letter to the couple saying they were in violation of the covenants and restrictions of the neighborhood.

The association offered to fly the MIA flag from the community flagpole and said Willits could hang the American flag from a bracket above the garage. The other option: keep the flag where it is and pay a $500 fine to cover legal fees.

Robert Willits says he won’t pay the fine, and the flags are staying put.

“With the penalties they’ve imposed on us, I feel it’s really un-American for somebody that is 100 percent disabled vet,” Judy Willits said.

“No. I am not taking it down,” Willits said. “That flag is for the freedom of every person in here. It represents freedom.”

A group of Hoosier veterans demonstrated around the flagpole Monday afternoon in support of the Willits family and their flags.

The homeowners association says they are still deciding what to do next if the Willits refuse to pay or take it down.

Both sides have hired attorneys.

The Fieldstone Homeowners Association responded and said the flagpole, surrounded by a bed of seasonal flowers, is a lovely setup. But it’s also against the rules – ones that others have been asked to follow, said Kaye Eckert, president of the homeowners association.

“It is displayed beautifully,” she said. “We couldn’t ask for any more – if they were allowed.”

We reached out to the Fieldstone HOA with no response as of yet: Fieldstone

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