BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Battle Creek neighbors now have a secure, dignified way to retire worn American flags near downtown — thanks to Girl Scout Josie Pawlowicz, whose vision became reality with a new collection box at the city’s police department.
Josie, a senior at Lakeview High School and the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center, led the project to give the community a respectful option for flag disposal while honoring the nation’s symbols.
The new collection box is in the Battle Creek Police Department lobby. It was unveiled Monday, November 10 during a celebration attended by Mayor Mark Behnke, Commissioner Chris Simmons, who represents Ward 4, Josie’s parents Melissa and Jerry Pawlowicz, and community partners. Additional attendees included Conrado Campos and Dawn Smith, both leaders of the Cereal City Sunrise Rotary Club. The first flags were donated by Commissioner Simmons and the city’s Recreation Department.
Other flag retirement options exist in the community – including American Legion Post 298 and Post 257 – this new location is downtown, inside a city facility, offering security and convenience. The Battle Creek Police Department is an especially fitting home for the box, as the department includes many veterans who commend Josie for her work.
Pawlowicz was inspired by her experiences performing flag duties on Mackinac Island as part of the Mackinac Island Scout Service Program and by her brother’s service at the U.S. Naval Academy. She recognized the need for a proper location for neighbors to dispose of worn flags with dignity and set out to make a lasting impact in her hometown.
“My goal was to have the box ready before Veterans Day, and I’m so happy and relieved we were able to make that happen,” she said.
Josie teamed up with Cereal City Sunrise Rotary to raise funds and worked with Michael Waidelich, owner of Black Wolf Flag Co., to design and build the collection box. Together, they brought her idea to life with support from several generous donors. Waidelich, who is also part of American Legion Post 298, will ensure the flags collected at the new box are properly retired through the organization.
While you don’t need to fold the flag properly before placing it in the box, Waidelich noted that if you’re unsure how, you can always ask a Girl Scout or Boy Scout — they are trained and eager to help.
Mayor Mark Behnke praised Josie’s commitment to civic pride and national respect during the unveiling ceremony.
"We are privileged to be the recipient of this important collection box and take great pride in showcasing Josie’s work in honor of our great country,” Behnke said. “The City of Battle Creek is pleased to recognize young people such as Josie, knowing that today’s youth will be tomorrow leaders.”
Josie has logged more than 80 hours of community service on this initiative and plans to complete a second collection box soon. Her goal is to preserve the honor of our nation’s symbols and educate the community about proper flag etiquette.
Flag Disposal Locations:
American Legion Post 298 – 228 N. 20th St., Springfield, MI
American Legion Post 257 – 7475 B Drive N., Battle Creek, MI
Battle Creek Police Department lobby – 34 N. Division St., Battle Creek, MI
About Josie Pawlowicz:
Josie is a senior at Lakeview High School and the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center. A lifelong Girl Scout, she has spent the past three years focused on community service through the Mackinac Island Scout Service Program, where she served as part of the Honor Guard and volunteered at historic sites. Josie hopes this project inspires others to honor the flag and give back to their community — values she plans to carry forward after graduation.
Pictured, Josie Pawlowicz celebrates the unveiling of her flag retirement project with Commissioner Chris Simmons, her parents Melissa and Jerry Pawlowicz, and Mayor Mark Behnke.
(l–r) Commissioner Chris Simmons, Mayor Mark Behnke, Dawn Smith of Cereal City Sunrise Rotary, Girl Scout Josie Pawlowicz, Lt. William Gensch, and Michael Waidelich join together for the official unveiling of the American Flag Retirement Drop Box in the Battle Creek Police Department lobby.
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