POLAND — Whether in pouring rain or in the afternoon sunshine, Jeff Vrabel Jr. may be seen in the Poland community, flags in tow.

Following Gov. Mike DeWine’s request to fly flags as we wait out the coronavirus pandemic, Vrabel wasted no time decorating his neighborhood with Old Glory.

Installing 85 miniature flags in about 25 minutes, Vrabel said it didn’t take long until he got a request to add more of the patriotic symbols.

“I got a call to do another neighborhood,” he said on Thursday afternoon.

At his home in Poland, Vrabel flies two flags — one in the front yard and one behind the house — at half-mast each day, “because we have veterans that die every day. We have soldiers that” die in war each day, he said.

As he lined up the small flags in front yards, Vrabel said the flags are free.

Residents don’t have to return the flags, he said. “Anyone that asks, they get to keep it.”

Each year, the Veterans Service Commission of Mahoning County allocates groups so many flags.

As there are oftentimes leftover flags, they are taken to American Legion locations for events.

“One thing they tell you, if you have any extra, use them in the community,” Vrabel said.

After the governor asked Ohio residents to fly their flags, Vrabel began his mission.

The 20-year-old comes from a patriotic family.

Grandfather Joe was 9th district and department of Ohio commander of the American Legion. His father, Jeff Sr., was detachment of Ohio commander of Sons of the American Legion. Young Vrabel is now vying for that post.

“I was born into this,” Vrabel said.

Supporting the United States, he wanted to join the Army, but was unable to because of a peanut allergy.

Still, he’s hopeful he can one day serve his country, perhaps in the National Guard.

His work doesn’t stop at yards. Vrabel also recognizes veterans at his employment.

Vrabel, who works at the Inn at Poland Way, fashioned a wall dedicated to service members that live at the home, complete with service photos and a flag on a wall.

One man, he said, makes it a point to tell everyone his photo is on the wall.

“They love it,” he said of the residents.

afox@tribtoday.com