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Presenter
U.S. Army Ranger SSgt. Jesse Hagstrom, center. Left to right: Jeff DeClerck, Frank Tremont, Post Commander Brian D. Maynard, Past Post Commander and Putnam Mayor Norman “Barney” Seney, grandfather Henry Gawle, mother Suzanne Hagstrom, father Brian Hagstrom; Marc J. Coderre Sr., and Victor J. Kratz, Dennis Beauregard, 4th District Commander Ronald P. Coderre, Steve Fahey. Photo by Valentine Iamartino.




PUTNAM — Post member and active duty Army Ranger SSgt. Jesse Hagstrom of Woodstock presented the Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13 of Putnam with an American flag that was flown at his base when he was on duty in Afghanistan.  
Hagstrom, who was sponsored by Marc Coderre Sr., has been a post member for six years but never attended a meeting because he’s always been on active duty.  
“When I was in Afghanistan we raised a new American flag every morning.  Members of our unit were given an opportunity to dedicate the flag to a person or group.  I felt it was appropriate to recognize my comrades at Post #13 since many of them had been deployed around the world during their service to our country,” said Hagstrom.
Post Commander Brian D. Maynard brought American Legion protocol to the ceremony, including the singing of the National Anthem by Post member and U.S. Air Force veteran Maurice “Moe” Coderre.
Putnam Mayor and former Post Commander Norman “Barney” Seney provided the greetings of the community and a proclamation recognizing Hagstrom for his service.  American Legion Department Commander Dennis Beauregard offered congratulatory words from all Connecticut Legionnaires.
“Since I’ve been in American Legion, I‘ve never witnessed a ceremony like this.  More Posts around the state should be putting on similar programs. It’s especially significant because of SSgt. Hagstrom’s presence,” said Beauregard.
Hagstrom was raised in Woodstock.  He enlisted in the Army in 2012 and graduated from Airborne training in 2013, air assault school 2014 and Ranger school in 2016.  He is also a graduate of Ranger Sapper School in 2019.  He’s served two combat deployment tours in Afghanistan.  Hagstrom is connected to the 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment based at Fort Benning, Ga.
Hagstrom said: “Being a member of the Army Rangers is a special privilege.  I’m proud to serve our country.  Presenting this flag to the Post members is an honor.  I will remember this day for years to come.”
4th District Commander Ronald P. Coderre said: “Jesse, thank you for your service to our country.  In addition to your family at home and your fellow Rangers in Georgia, you now have comrades here at Post #13.  We’re all proud and salute you for your accomplishments.”
Hagstrom is the son of Brian and Suzanne Hagstrom of Woodstock.  He’s the grandson of 103-year-old WWII veteran and Bronze Star winner, Henry Gawle, who attended.

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