American Legion Post 204 is flying a special flag the month of February in honor of a fallen Marine who was highly decorated.

This month’s flag, which flies in Veterans Park north of the Seminole Municipal Building, honors Jerry Streater, who passed away in 2021.

Streater was born January 2, 1936 in Wewoka, Oklahoma to Thomas Albert Streater and Rachel Clare (Coley) Streater. He spent most of his life in the Wewoka area.

Streater served in the United States Marine Corps for 21 years and attained the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He received the Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, National Service Medal and the Meritorious Unit Citation. His service included a tour in Vietnam.

The former Marine enjoyed landscaping, woodworking, painting and camping. He married Norma Sue Nutter on July 10, 1960 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and they spent 61 years together. The couple had three sons, nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Streater was buried August 20, 2021 in Little Cemetery with full military honors.

The local American Legion post honors a different deceased veteran each month, part of a national effort to bring awareness to local fallen service members. All veterans that have passed away are eligible to be honored. To nominate someone, contact Post Commander Carl Odom at (405) 380-4615.

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veteran’s organization. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States.