THE UNITED States Army, the largest branch of our military, was established on June 14, 1775. Two years later, on the same exact date, the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution. This declared that “Old Glory,” the flag of our then-fledgling country, with its 13 original colonies, would have red and white stripes and be adorned with 13 white stars in a field of navy blue. The seven red stripes represent valor and bravery. The six white stripes symbolize purity and innocence, while the blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.
Like the symbolic colors of our nation’s flag, Scott Paul Tuggle represented each of these traits. As a highly decorated veteran of the United States Army, he represented them well. Tuggle served with the 1st Airborne Battalion, 503rd Infantry, “The Rock” in combat throughout Afghanistan. He also served with the 173rd Airborne and the 82nd Airborne, which deployed him to Egypt, Italy, Jordan, and Haiti.
Life has a way of coming full circle. For 40-year-old Tuggle, his circle ended without warning on Flag Day (June 14, 2023), due to a blood clot in his lungs. His obituary poetically stated: “In beauty that only our dear Lord could orchestrate, Tuggle took both his first and last breaths in his mother’s arms.”
His mother, Malinda, said, “Scott loved to laugh. I can still hear his laugh. He had a dry sense of humor. He loved politics. He loved to debate and was a great high school and college debater. He loved to engage people’s ideas and challenge ideas. He was very proud to be a Tennessean, and he loved our farm. He loved growing the hemp plants and making our products from the farm. That brought him a great sense of pride. He taught communications at Cal State Long Beach, Mt. SAC, Rio Hondo, and Pasadena Community College. The reviews from many of his students confirmed what a great teacher he was and how much they learned in his classes.”
Flag Day was always a time of patriotic celebration for this tight-knit family, which also includes Scott’s dad, Ron; brothers Chris and Kevin; and sisters Krystle, Courtney, Claudia, and Kelly.
Grief submerged each of them when Scott died unexpectedly. They grappled for a meaningful way to remember their beloved son and brother, with his prize-winning deep belly laughs. The one with a knack for playing every musical instrument he stumbled upon. The one who had an amazing singing voice, who relished a hearty debate — whether political or philosophical — who never encountered a stranger, and who had helped his parents launch their CBD farm and store.
Their mailbox in Bell Buckle at Kingdom Acres Estate soon flooded with sympathy cards. One provided the answer they were searching for: “Your son touched so many folks, not only in his life but also in his death. How precious that our Heavenly Father chose to call home His child — who generously defended freedom around the world — on Flag Day! Now, each year, when Old Glory pops up all over the countryside, his friends will always remember Scott in a special way…”
One year later, on June 14, 2024, the Tuggles invited local veterans and first responders to their farm as a way to remember Scott and to express gratitude to those who have served and to those who are still serving.
“We celebrated loved ones who had passed, all veterans, and first responders with food, music, and flags,” Malinda said. “Now, we invite our community to bring a flag to our farm here in Bell Buckle at Kingdom Acres and write the name of their loved one on the pole and plant it in the field near the road. We hope to fill our front field with flags. Seeing them waving is a big reminder of the importance of Flag Day to our nation and a reminder of the day Scott passed into heaven.”
Scott’s dad, Ron, said, “Military service is a 24/7 commitment. It changes soldiers’ lives forever. It impacts the whole family. The emotional toll varies greatly due to the demands the military requires while trying to balance and integrate this into daily family needs. That balancing act is difficult to manage and can keep a soldier torn between the two worlds they serve.”
Though Scott’s circle of life has ended here on earth, his circle of influence is very much alive. Cards and letters from his comrades still arrive at the Tuggles’ farm. Military training focuses on physical stamina and mental strength, but those who knew Scott aren’t ashamed to shed tears or share about how just knowing him changed their lives for the better.
His brother, Chris, said, “Scott was the best brother anyone could have. He was loyal, brave, intelligent, and funny. He was always willing to help absolutely anyone. He was proud to have fought for his country and was proud of his family and friends. He was proud to be from Tennessee. He absolutely loved his home and his country.” GN
If you’d like to plant a flag in memory of a veteran, go to www.kingdomacresestate.com for contact information.
