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The Standards with ROTC cadets during flag presentation.
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ROTC cadets and military science students and staff in front of the flag at the ball.
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Alumni Donate Garrison Flag to ROTC Department

May 1, 2025

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MACOMB, IL— On Thursday, April 17, Christine (Chris) Standard and Mitch Standard presented a 20-by-38 foot American flag to the Western Illinois University Department of Military Science for their use.

As long-time supporters of the WIU ROTC Leatherneck Battalion, the Standards have attended the annual Military Ball regularly since the early 2000s. While talking with Recruiting Operations Officer Larry Picket prior to the 2024 Military Ball, Mitch learned that the ROTC Battalion had to make a trip up to Rock Island to borrow the garrison flag, the largest size of American flag used by the U.S. military, that was used during the Military Ball each year.

"That started the wheels in motion for us offering to donate a garrison flag to the Leatherneck Battalion," Chris said. "We knew that the flag had to be well made, durable and most importantly made in America."

Indeed, the Standards had specific ‘standards' for the flag.

"A bit of research led us to a very reputable flag maker that fit our requirements. We were honored to present the flag to the Leatherneck Battalion in a small ceremony after one of their training exercises," Chris said.

Pickett commented on the Standards' generous donation.

"The Standards have been supporters of WIU and the ROTC program for years and we greatly appreciate their continued support," he said. "As a small token of our appreciation, the ROTC program presented them with an engraved wooden U.S. Flag plaque at the 2025 Military Ball."

Following the April 17 presentation, the new flag made its first public appearance at the 55th Leatherneck Military Ball on Saturday, April 26, where it provided an impressive backdrop for the event and photo opportunities.

Chris graduated from WIU in 1992 with a degree in Communication Sciences & Disorders and in 1994 with her graduate degree in Audiology. She served two years of active duty in the Army and six years in the Illinois National Guard. In 2005, she founded Macomb Audiology and Hearing Aid Center, where she currently works. She continues to serve the Veteran population today as a Veterans Affairs Community Care Network (VACCN) Audiologist. Mitch graduated with a Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration degree in 1988. He currently works as a senior field technician for IMEG in Macomb.

"The Standards have been long-time champions of WIU, providing financial support for their academic departments, the Bureau of Cultural Affairs, the Performing Arts Society and other areas," Director of Development Emily Gillett said. "We appreciate their willingness to step up and fill a need for our Military Science department. The flag is a beautiful display of their consistent support and will be an eye-catching addition to Military Science events for years to come."

For more information on supporting the WIU Military Science Department, contact Gillett at e-gillett@wiu.edu.

Posted By: Taylor Holan (td-holan@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing