A Hillsborough Air Force veteran is already planning to raise new flags outside his home after his old ones were stolen.
- Tom Horan from Sun City Center was away on holiday trip
- American flag and POW/MIA flag stolen from 30 foot flag pole
- Horan's neighborhood home to many veterans, former military
It was supposed to be a fun holiday trip to visit his family in Texas. However, Air Force Veteran Tom Horan from Sun City Center told us someone took advantage of him while he was out of town.
"I was shocked," said Horan. "It was like a punch to the stomach."
Upon returning home, Horan found his American flag and POW/MIA flag at the top of his 30 foot flag pole were gone. The rope the flags were attached to, as well as a solar light used to keep the flags on display through the night, were also missing.
Horan filed a report with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, but it isn't likely the flag will be found or returned.
Horan served in the U.S. Air Force between 1960 and 1965 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He traveled the world as a Military Police Officer, and often helped raise the flag wherever his company was stationed.
"It's a personal blow to me and the millions of American's that have been killed and the tens of millions that have been wounded," Horan said.
In the Kings Point neighborhood of Sun City Center where Horan lives, American flags fly outside dozens of homes. More than half the people that live in the neighborhood are former military.
The incident has only hardened the Horan's resolve to honor his country and the memory of soldiers lost and wounded. He said he plans to buy a new flag, and hopefully with some help from volunteers, he'll raise it soon.
Horan went on to say the new flag will be a bigger one, sending a message to the thief that the resolve of a veteran is one thing they can't take.