People are taking notice of the American Legion post in East Ridge, thanks to a new paint job that makes the building look like the American flag. The stars-and-stripes exterior coat, as well as window repairs and parking lot striping, were done by a local company — free of charge.
Randy Newman, of Newman and Sons Painting in Ooltewah, had heard from several friends who were members of the William E. Blair American Legion Post 95 on Ringgold Road that the building had fallen into disrepair.
“I was lookin’ at it, and lookin’ at it, and lookin’ at it, thinking this could be so much more,” Newman said.
After getting approval for the design from the post’s officers, Newman cobbled together 10- to 12-man crews to complete the work between other contracts and on weekends over the past several weeks. Newman, who isn’t a veteran himself, hopes the building serves as a reminder to people.
“A lot of people forget where we get the freedom to do the things we do,” Newman said.