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Thursday, October 29, 2026Oct 29

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Barger continues dedication to veterans

Joe Barger
Joe Barger Joe Barger

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Volunteer effortThe flags will again go up for Veterans Day. Volunteers will help place them on Nov. 4 and take them down on the 18th.

Joe Barger may have stepped down as Ringgold mayor, but he is not walking away from all his former duties. Though Barger is recovering from his third hip surgery, he still pays tribute to veterans by volunteering to put up American flags dedicated to the specific veterans of Catoosa County, just as he has done since 1980.

“Dr. [Rusty] Ballinger [of Parkridge Hospital] said he took care of it this time,” said Barger. “Dr. Ballinger thinks I won’t need a walking cane soon.”

Following a week and a half of intensive rehab, Barger now goes to therapy on Battlefield Parkway at ATI three times a week for an hour each time.

It didn’t stop him from turning out to help place the flags in time for Memorial Day. Barger said the more American flags put up in the city, the more volunteers come out each time. The flags will go up again for Veterans Day.