Honoring hometown heroes

Rural roots that run deep

Like many in Basin Electric’s service territory, Snakenberg grew up in a small town where friends and neighbors are more like family than acquaintances. Originally from Sigourney, Iowa, he first got involved with the local electric co-op, T.I.P Rural Electric Cooperative, working there during school breaks while attending Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.

After graduating from the Northwest Iowa Community College lineman program in 2015, Snakenberg was hired at an investor-owned utility (IOU) in Des Moines, Iowa, before ultimately going to work for Grundy County REC, a Basin Electric Class C member.

Snakenberg has been a full-time part of the cooperative family for six years. “After working for a large IOU, the cooperative difference feels more personal, meaningful, and impactful,” he says. “We are a small cooperative, but each person brings a unique piece of the puzzle to the table. It takes all of us.”

Working for Grundy County REC has allowed Snakenberg to get to know the members the cooperative serves, giving him a unique opportunity to connect with home and business owners throughout its service territory. “As a lineman, we are on the front line of who represents the cooperative the most and what our members expect to receive as friendly and respectful customer service,” he acknowledges.

A desire to do more

Just as he is committed to serving others through his work, Snakenberg also feels a strong calling to serve those who have made a lasting impact on our country. Enter the Veteran Flagpole Initiative (VFI).

Formed in 2021 by a group of nearly 50 friends who wanted to “provide veterans with a permanent visual reminder of appreciation for their service and sacrifice,” VFI is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers whose efforts are funded solely through donations. “Our mission is to fund and install flagpoles in the yards of veterans at no cost to them,” Snakenberg remarks. “And that’s what we do.”

Snakenberg says, “Volunteering with this organization is a no-brainer.” After helping with his first install and seeing just how special it was to that veteran, he knew he needed to do more. “It is one of the most impactful things I have had the opportunity to get involved with,” he says. “Our military men and women are heroes. They are the difference makers in all our freedoms and safety. I am thankful for every veteran.”

For Snakenberg, the work of this organization hits close to home. Several of his family members and friends have served in the military, including a great uncle who lost his life aboard the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor and his best friend from high school who became a Green Beret and was awarded a Purple Heart after being wounded in action.

Earlier this year, Basin Electric provided a monetary donation to VFI through the cooperative’s member match program. In total, the donation received through this match was $4,500, all of which will be used to purchase flags, flagpoles, and other supplies necessary to complete installations.

One foot in front of the other

In addition to using his personal time to support VFI’s efforts, Snakenberg has taken his desire to be of service a step further by spreading awareness using another passion of his—fitness.

With the goal of bringing attention to VFI’s mission and honoring veterans, Snakenberg ran a 52-mile stretch of the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) carrying an American flag, stopping along the route to install flagpoles with other VFI volunteers. As the oldest, largest, and longest multi-day bicycle tour in the world, RAGBRAI brings together riders from all 50 states and nearly 20 countries. As a result of his efforts, VFI officially partnered with RAGBRAI on long-term planning to serve veterans.

Appreciation in action

Inspired by the VFI’s mission and the actions of their team member, Grundy County REC staff participated in three flagpole installations for its members earlier this year.

“Grundy County REC has always believed in giving back to our communities and our membership. Derek’s involvement in VFI is a great example of that commitment to community service,” Michael Geerdes, Grundy County REC general manager/executive vice president, says. “Being able to support Derek in this endeavor by having a volunteer day was a great experience for our entire staff. He is a great employee and, more importantly, an even better person. We truly enjoyed the day, especially getting to meet some of our members who are veterans and having the opportunity to present them with this gift.”

A growing impression

VFI has 11 team leads across Iowa—and branching into several new states—who spearhead each installation, including scheduling the date, lining up volunteers, ensuring the necessary materials are ready, and calling for underground line locates.

Though the organization is established and focused in Iowa, volunteers have also installed flagpoles in Colorado, Illinois, Missouri, Montana, and Texas.

This year marked two significant milestones for VFI. On our nation’s 250th anniversary, volunteers completed the organization’s 250th flagpole installation, and on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, a 101-year-old World War II Navy veteran received his flagpole. “It was a very special day for everybody involved,” Snakenberg recalls.

The organization is working toward meeting its “Operation 99” goal of installing at least one flagpole in each of Iowa’s 99 counties by 2028. To help meet this goal, the organization makes a big push on military holidays—Flag Day, Veterans Day, and the 4th of July—to raise awareness of the program and install additional flagpoles.

To learn more about the VFI and how you can nominate or sponsor a veteran, visit www.veteranflagpoles.org.