AMES, Iowa--Jenny Flammang of Woodbury County showcased her state fair exhibit, “In Honor of Those Who Serve,” on stage with National Guard Brigadier General Jodi Tymeson.
Flammang, who graduated from high school in spring 2006, created a 15-minute video composed of photographs of soldiers from her hometown of Lawton who had served in the armed forces. She invited community members to bring in photos, which she then digitized and set to music. Some of the soldiers served in wars dating back to WWI.
Tymeson, who is not only a National Guard Brigadier General, but also serves as a representative in the Iowa General Assembly, had volunteered to participate in the Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development Celebrity Showcase event at the fair. The event allows high profile professionals to showcase 4-H youth and their project work on stage in the 4-H Exhibits Building.
Jenny’s parents, Nancy and Kirk Flammang, spoke with pride of the event that Jenny helped plan. They said that people from all over the community were touched by the video that their daughter put together.
The video was shown at Flammang’s high school for a Veterans’ Day program, an idea sparked when she attended girl’s state. The November 11, 2005 event had community members and students in attendance. The video, shown at the close of the program, filled the room with silence. Flammang said she had never heard it so quiet in the gym.
Tymeson joked that she had been in 4-H but none of her projects made it to State Fair or even won a blue ribbon. She was impressed with Jenny’s perseverance with projects, especially since she has no close ties with a soldier. She lauded Jenny’s desire to give something back to those who serve.
Flammang does not have any immediate family serving in the military right now but both her grandfathers, Edgar Flammang and Don McMillan, served in the armed forces. She said she was surprised by how many people in her community had served in the military. She also learned that one person can have an impact on a community and plans to continue giving back in the future because of this experience.
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