The display case holding the American flag has a place of honor at  the $265 million Sooper Credit Union branch in Grand Junction, Colo., although members are quite often surprised when they spot it in the lobby.

“Members notice it right away,” said Judy Moeller, branch manager. “It's quite an honor for us to have this flag. Personally I have great emotions about receiving the flag. My father was killed in WW11 so no greater honor could I have received then to be presented with this flag and to hang it in the Grand Junction office.”

According to Dan Dannar of Little Rock, Ark., it was his honor to present the flag to his long-time credit union.

“I've been with them since I was a kid,” Dannar said. “They've helped me through a lot of tough times and for that I will always be grateful.”

Dannar is a master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and will be retiring this year.

Dannar recently had his parents present to Sooper CU the American flag that was flown over Afghanistan on Feb. 17, 2010, on a combat mission supporting Operation Enduring Freedom by the Tiger Sharks squadron. The flag has flown more than 10,000 combat hours.

“It's my gift to them (Sooper) for sticking by me for 21 years,” Dannar said. “I felt they deserved it.”

Dannar has been a credit union member with Sooper since he was 7 years old.

“We were deeply honored to receive this flag from Mr. Dannar. We can only imagine the sentimental value this flag must hold for him, so the fact that he chose to present it to Sooper Credit Union holds very special meaning for our entire organization,” said Dan Kester, Sooper's president/CEO in Denver.

“Our credit union operates like one big family, and we truly care about the well-being of our members. We have a personal investment in our communities, our members and our employees. We are grateful to have received this flag, and appreciate moments like this when we can see the way our work impacts our members,” Kester said.