100-year-old World War II veteran gifted new flagpole from the Surprise Squad

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Louis Tippit is a local World War II Veteran who was in need of a new flagpole.

“The flag, what does it mean to you?” asked First Alert 4’s Steve Harris.

“Well, it means the whole world,” replied Tippit.

First Alert 4 first met Tippit when he celebrated his 100th birthday earlier this year. His daughter, Barbara Brown, later nominated him to the Surprise Squad to replace his homemade flagpole.

Tippit, who was born in Malden, Missouri, enlisted in the Navy when he turned 18. He spent time in Saipan working in the harbor as a pile driver, where he earned the nickname “Cheerful Cherub” because of his happy demeanor, even in times of war.

Tippit then worked for decades at General Motors in St. Louis. He is known for loving to build things with his hands, including the flagpole in front of his home.

The homemade flagpole was a source of pride for Tippit, so when it broke, Surprise Squad 4 stepped in.

The Surprise Squad and Baldwin Priesmeyer: A Flag and Banner Company donated a new 25-foot flag pole and solar light, along with a new American Flag and Navy Seabees Flag. Flags of Valor gifted Tippit a flag to display inside his home that flew on Art Hill on Sept. 11.

At the surprise reveal, Scott Credit Union gifted Tippit VIP tickets to the Fabulous Fox Theatre, and Gingham’s donated a gift card.

Of being able to fly the flag in his yard again, Tippit said, “It means I served my country and I’m very proud of it.”

Pam Beeman, Post Adjutant of American League Post 444, explained what the flag means to veterans.

She said, “It’s the main representation for any veteran. To have that flag in front of their house saying, I fought for you and I’m proud of it.”

Do you know someone who deserves to be visited by the Surprise Squad? Nominate them here.