In 2007, a crisp American flag flew over a remote outpost in Kapisa Province, Afghanistan, then known as Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tagab. Nestled in a rugged mountain valley, Tagab was a critical post for U.S. Army Special Forces, who operated in challenging terrain, working alongside Afghan military and local communities to keep insurgent forces at bay.
Capt. Robert “Rocco” Rowland, a Green Beret with 7th Group, ODA 7214, was among these soldiers. Every 30 days, his detachment raised a new flag on the pole at the center of the base. Like many soldiers before and since, Rocco brought one of these flags home as a keepsake after his deployment. “It just sat for years in a box with my other military gear,” Rocco recalls. “I never had a good place to display it.”
Top left: Capt. Rowland and ODA 7214 at FOB Tagab in 2007. Top right: Capt. Rowland. Above: Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai (standing, with hat and beard) visits FOB Tagab.
As he transitioned to civilian life in 2020, Rocco, a friend of our co-founder Chad Evans, consulted on a few projects with Independence.
“We had just moved into our new shop, and when Rocco pulled the flag from storage and shared its story, it seemed like it had found its rightful place,” says Chad.
Rocco gifted the flag to Independence, and today it still hangs proudly in our shop, a symbol of the grit and camaraderie it once oversaw on distant ground and a daily reminder of the standard of service we aim to bring here at home.
In 2013, Tagab was rededicated as FOB Kutschbach in memory of Staff Sgt. Patrick F. Kutschbach, a Green Beret who gave his life in the surrounding valley.
The Veterans Who Inspire Our Work
You might have noticed our flag in many of the photos and videos taken around our shop. It’s much more than a decoration – it inspires us to put in that extra effort, season after season.
“When I see it, I think about everything it’s seen and endured,” says co-founder Curt Greene. “The Green Berets are as tough as they come. No matter what challenges the day brings to our team, we can always dig a little deeper.”
At Independence, those military ties are personal. Account Manager Kyle Bernstein (pictured below) is an Army veteran who served in Kuwait, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. And Curt’s own brother, Lt. Col. Kyle Greene, is currently a Green Beret serving with 3rd Group.
With Northern Virginia’s rich military presence, it’s no surprise that we serve veterans and active-duty clients from every branch of the armed forces. Our team is honored to play a part in making the outdoor spaces of these clients a place of comfort, pride and peace.
A Special Tribute This Veterans Day
This Veterans Day, we’re proud to share a video about this flag’s journey and the special place it holds in our shop. We carry this flag’s legacy forward as a call to approach each day with respect, consistency and gratitude.
To every veteran who has served, thank you. This flag reminds us every day that the work we do here is only possible because of your dedication and sacrifice.