Sequim School District administrator Randy Hill and daughter JoNell thanked representatives of Sequim High School’s Winter Wishes group — Mikayla Simonson, Vianey Cadenas and Lisa Radford — as he presentsedthem with a treasured item: an American flag from his son on June 2.

The Winter Wishes group helped pay for Hill to visit his son, Cody A. Hill, then a 1st Lieutenant aviator in the U.S. Army 227th Aviation Regiment’s B Company (nicknamed “Reapers”), before his son left to serve for Afghanistan in January.

“It was a big day for me and my family,” Randy Hill said of the gift. “The ability to go see him one more time was was pretty special.”

Cody Hill’s company displayed an American flag as they flew over RC North Kunduz province on March 24 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, then sent the flag back to Sequim. The display, made by Bill Hughes of American Legion Riders Post 29 – Port Angeles, showcases the flag and a photo of the younger Hill holding it up in his cockpit.

The display will hang somewhere in Sequim High School, Randy Hill said, “where people can find it.”

Cody Hill recently was promoted to pilot-in-command and battle commander, Randy Hill said.