Sussex Square in Henrico orders Medal Of Honor winner to remove flagpole
Col. Van T. Barfoot, one of the country’s last-surviving Medal of Honor winners, is under the gun from his Henrico County community’s homeowner association.
In a five-paragraph letter to Barfoot that he received yesterday, Barfoot is being ordered to remove a flagpole from his yard.
Read full story via Richmond Times-Dispatch.
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on Dec 2 2009. Filed under Richmond News.
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In an appalling case of home owners associations gone bad, the Sussex Square Community has ordered a 90 year old Medal of Honor recipient to remove the flagpole from his property. It appears that common sense has been overstepped in a rush to enforce community rules. One would hope that this can be dealt with in a civil fashion that takes into account the service of this patriot.
Where’s Obama on this one? He’ll give his “stash of free cash” to freeloaders in Detroit, but gives no heed to the real heros that made America Great. Political Correctness and heavy handed control freaks are ruining this country. This guy should be honored by the Sussex Square community wherein the give him and install a BETTER flagpole complete with lights so he can keep it flying at night.
This has to be one of the most dispicable acts by a group of controlling bodies that I have ever had the displeasure of hearing.
I live near Boston Ma. and heard of this story on a radio talk show. The association should be asshamed of themselves for this action.
how soon they forget the service this man has given to this country and has afforded the freedom that this association practices under all for the shake of what they feel a home should look like. People of Richmond should be outraged. The story is spreading and soon the country will hear of the moonbats that live in this association
What rocks have these idiots with the HOA been living under??? And the law firm that has mounted the suit on behalf of the HOA, Coates & Davenport of Richmond — WTF are they thinking??? Are they out of their minds???
To the ungrateful citizens of the HOA: If you don’t belive that flying the flag of the United States in honor of the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to stand up for the freedoms that define the greatest nation in the world — leave! Move! Go somewhere else! We don’t want you here!
Colonel Barfoot: please don’t think for a single second that the fools in charge of the HOA at Sussex Square or the shameless attorneys who represent them are in any way indicative of the rest of America’s feelings of pride and honor in your service, sir.
While I think an exception should be made for a Medal of Honor recipient who is 90 years old (how many years does the man have left), it seems that restrictions on free standing flag poles are pretty common in HOA rules. I am about to purchase a home in North Carolina and came across the same restriction in our rules too. There is no restriction on flying a flag from one of those small poles attached to the front of the house.
It certainly illustrates the need to actually read these rules before buying a home. I’m sure a copy was provided to Col. Barfoot before he closed on his home. I believe the law in Virginia requires that.
At this point it would seem lobbying of the board by his neighbors may be the most effective course of action. But they may have a legal obligation to enforce the rule and may not be able to make arbitrary exceptions. No matter how well deserved or sensible.
Perhaps reading the rules to learn the proper procedure for amending the rules and then doing it would be the thing. It would be a lot more effective than knee jerk vilification of the board members (who are usually decent folks who give their time to a job few people want to be bothered with). Or blaming the President of the United States like one silly comment above did.
Just gave the full story a more careful read. It appears that there is no blanket prohibition against free standing flag poles. They rejected the plan he submitted prior to erecting the flag pole. Rather than modify the plan to pass muster and conform to the rules to which he had previously agreed he ignored the rejection and just put it up. So he pretty much brought this on himself.
The guy won the Medal of Honor. I bet he would be a fascinating guy to sit down and have a few beers with. But that doesn’t mean his conduct in this matter was correct or that he is a victim being abused by the big evil HOA board. Although those guys are clearly getting clobbered in the public relations war.
This 90 year old may be a very sharp old bird.
The issue here is over-reaching intrusion by the elected boards of property owner’s associations. I’ll bet this issue was never brought before the entire association at a regular or annual meeting. Instead, a small architectural control committee or board, often self-perpetuating by arcane nomination and election procedures and hiding behind liability insurance protection paid by all the property owners, mandates conformance to minute rules and regulations limiting the conduct of personal affairs on one’s private property that ought to be left to personal choice in a democracy. Such cabels, frequently led by individuals with non-productive and unhappy personal lives who need to find a truly significant purpose and direction in life, waste the property owner’s dues on legal fees pursuing frivolous matters such as flagpoles. At a time when our country needs real leadership just to survive, it is frightening to read about fellow “citizens” who lack fundamental common sense.
First off this is just stupid, its a flagpole not like he is sitting a refrigerator or a tub in his front yard. To the guy above speaking about knee jerk vilification of the board members because they are usually good people. That is an absolute joke i deal with hundreds of HOAs in my work and every last one of them is the same full of power hungry, control freak, busybodys who get their kicks out of ruining someone elses day. I would make me so happy to never see another hoa in this country ever again they are useless.
As an actively serving member of the military, I am very saddened to hear that Col Barfoot has to deal with this act of pure stupidity by the HOA. This man is unquestionably an American hero, and deserves to fly his flag, from height, as every flag should be flown. If you’ve served in the military, you know the importance of raising a flag briskly in the morning and lowering it slowly and ceremoniously at night.
At 90 years old, the HOA can’t really expect that this man would understand their decision. If they did, then I wouldn’t expect him to comply, or care anyway. Keep up the fight, Sir! I’ll fly down to VA and stand by you, and have a lot of friends and family who would do the same to preserve your right to raise and lower that flag at height. There is no greater sight than seeing an American flag proudly posted on a flag pole!
Leagal or not Leagal, right or wrong, any person that has shed blood for you and me should be allowed certain privilages. The HOA could have choose to ignore this violation. No where in the article did it say that neighbors were complaning to the HOA about the pole. The HOA decided to take legal action against Col. Barfoot, why not put it to a vote of the neighborhood. It would be unorthadox but fair.
Col. Barfoot, if they make you take it down…you can put it up in my front yard.
It’s a wonder the HOA’s haven’t called the ACLU to have them sue the old guy and maybe have him put in jail for being patriotic instead of anti-American . I agree with Jason ,just another group of people who lead pathetic ,meaningless lives trying to do something to make themselves feel important.
Having lived in a “private community” the HOA is a self-serving, self-perpetuating entity. They ARE NOT for all the good of the community, but for themselves.
Probably on of his neighbors is an anti-American twit, and doesn’t like the fact that the Medal of Honor recipient, Col. Van T. Barfoot didn’t jump through all the hoops that the architect committee wanted. So, now they’ll flex their self-aggrandized muscle to push around a 90 year old man.
Most times these twits have no sense of courage, honor, nor love for their country. They just have a little bit of power, and seek to control others that have different views. So, if the flag is allowed to be flown on a porch, why not a flagpole? To properly display the flag, a pole is required.
I hope these losers get a clue and let the Col. alone, to fly his countries flag as he sees fit!
The HOA in this case should be ashamed of themselves. Sad and pathetic people.
Let the man fly our flag!
HOA…get a life. Let the man fly his flag. You should be proud not stupid.
I am ashamed and embarrassed. I hope the place is boycotted. I don’t plan on moving to Richmond but if life twists me that way I will avoid Sussex Square at all costs. Any place that I would have to answer to foolish imbeciles like that Homeowners Moron Association would be an easy no move decision for me.
Then there is the lawyer that is more greedy than patriotic that would take such a case. Shame on that snake too.
I am with the fellow above. Any military personnel willing to shed his blood should be allowed certain privileges among which flying an American flag on his own flag pole.
This is absolutely appalling! Col. Barfoot you have the support of the citizens from Marquette Michigan.
God Bless you and all of our veterans
What is wrong with the HOA that is using a law firm to make there point with a Medal of Honor Recipient. No matter what his age.
Has common sense been tossed aside for the purpose of the HOA board making a point, not in my back yard will you fly the flag of our country that so many have died for.
Oh, the HOA will say you can fly the flag, JUST not high enough for the neighbors to see.
So, I guess the HOA plan is to use the HOA funds to pay the legal costs. Then send a bill to Col. Van T. Barfoot after they drag him through the court system that he fought so bravely too defend.
I wonder how many on the HOA board served in our military???
Shame on you Sussex Square HOA!! Take a good look in the mirror and lower your head after.
I’ll bet that all the officers of the HOA are charter members of the ACLU, and the rest have a last name of Hussain.
Ok people. I tryed to find a phone number for this homeowners association and can’t find one. we should all call them.
can any of you find it and post it so we can call them? I think that it would be a great start…………. thanks
HOA Nazis, that’s all they are. I wish he still had his bazooka!
The HOA will not put it to a vote because they Know the majority of homeowners would vote to allow the old war hero to have his flagpole. These power/ego maniacs don’t really care about right and wrong. They only care about their pitiful position of power over others. I’ve been on “board” at my HOA and witnessed first hand how they sit around back-slapping eachother over what color the fenceposts should be. Usually when a vote comes up the only names on ballot are the incumbents.
I am appalled by the hypercritical, demeaning, unwavering actions of the Sussex Square Homeowner’s Association–to be so narrow-minded in their attitude toward COL Barfoot’s flagpole. Such sanctimonious decision makers, to call in legal reenforcements, are disgusting. What gall to object to a Medal of Honor recipient putting up a flagpole on which to fly the colors of the nation for which he fought and spilled blood. If for no other reason than he is a MOH recipient, they should make an exception and make it so noted in their HOA rules. I dare say, not that many exceptions will be made. How proud the community should be to have the likes of COL Barfoot living amongst them. At the very least, the community should hold an emergency meeting and vote on the issue, ammending the rules accordingly, before allowing the HOA board members to proceed further. As the father of an Airborne Ranger Silver Star recipient, and a veteran of 21 years naval service, I fly my flag proudly and will fly it high for the rest of my life. Add me to the list of objectors to the SSHA’s actions. May God bless America. And may God bless COL Barfoot for his valiant and endurable service to this Nation.
YOU WOULD THINK THE HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION COULD FIND SOMETHING ELSE TO BUSY THEM SELVES WITH .IF I WERE A MEMBER I WOULD HANG MY HEAD IN SHAME.
IF THE FOLKS DO NOT WANT TO SEE OUR FLAG HANGING FROM A POLE, USE ONE OF YOUR AMERICAN FREEDOMS THIS MAN FOUGHT FOR AND PICK ANOTHER COUNTRY TO LIVE IN
All of the members of the HOA combined would not make a pimple on the ass of this hero! Shame on them, and THANK AND GOD BLESS YOU, Colonel Barfoot!!
In reading the article the HOA was quoted as saying that this is not about the American Flag, but about the Flagpole.
Now I am curious…what exactly did the association think this hero as going to fly from a FLAG pole?
“Condo Nazis” need to get a life, accept this man for what he has done for America or find another country to rule there with their petty bull_ _ _ t.
Colonel Barfoot, keep fighting for what is right. If the idiots in the HOA have no appreciation for your sacrifice, and that of so many others who have given to this country, then they should close up shop and make every veteran glad. The lawyers who represent them should be disbarred and forced to close their practice. This is an outrage.
As a combat veteran I am appalled at the ignorance of the people who brought this frivolous lawsuit.
If you have questions about the HOA at Sussex Square please direct them to
SUSSEX SQUARE SERVICE 804-740-8795
Anti America Needs to END NOW
Sussex Square HOA- give it up! Do the right thing and back off. You know Fox News will be visiting you soon. Bill O’Reilly will be talking about you on his show- just give it up now! Col. Barfoot deserves our respect and our thanks! Let him fly his flag!!
Name and number please of Suckthis Square Homowners Association. These people are of armpit quality and the blatant examples of the “me-first” generation out there. Spoiled brat children and grand children of the greates generation.
Thank you for your service above and beyond the call of duty. You are truly a member of the greatest generation.Everyone that agrees with Col. Barfoot that lives there should put up their own flagpole and fly OLD GLORY along with the gadsen flag “Don’t tread on me”. This association sounds like a bunch of small time politicians (politicians = traitors)who have power and like to bully others. You cretins on the board should remember that this man single handedly took out a German tank and her crew among other heroic acts. All so you would be able to tell people how to live. You are all small minded useless people. You all should be ASHAMED!!! Keep it flying Col. Barfoot and if you need help erecting a BIGGER one let me know I’ll drive down and help.
Just what this country is continually marching toward. Every day something stupid like this pops up. What kind of idiots won’t let a war hero fly his flag? If the silent majority continues to keep it’s mouth shut, we will end up like Iran and it’s neighbors. You’ll be shot in the street for breathing the wrong way. Fly that flag Colonel! It’s men like you that have kept this country free!! I am proud of you!!
Colonel Barfot: Take this to the mat!! Please DO NOT STOP flying the flag. These are spoiled boys and girls. The spoiled boys who run this gulag would never in a million years actually do anything masculine or manly, as in wearing the uniform to serve their country. No, they are sipping latte’s at Starbucks and shopping in malls. They are the worst of the worst, spoiled, pampered, idiots who drive around with “my child is an honor-roll student at give-a-crap-elementary-school.” Please sir, fly the flag. The hell with the suck-off square homeowners association.
One more thing: How typical of the state of the nation!!! We have devolved in to “It’s all about me.” Fly the flag, the hell with them. We need Bill and Sean and Rush all over this.
This is insane——ANYWHERE in the country you should be able to fly the last symbol of freedom left in our country. A valiant warrior that unflinchingly protects our freedom deserves respect. This homeowners association obviously does not know the meaning of respect or honor and definitely serving our nation. I am appalled but not surprised. Obama and his morons have eroded almost every freedom that we have and people just ignore it. Wake up America!!! This type of thing is just Hitler took over Germany…I hope this association goes to hell!
http://www.coateslaw.com/CM/Custom/Contact.asp
Above is the link to the law firm that is representing the HOA on the flagpole issue… have fun sending emails to support our Vet and his RIGHT as an AMERICAN to fly his Flag on a PROPER Flagpole. This HOA really needs to get a life! Maybe they are the Nazi HOA… Support our Vet, call the HOA as well and voice your support: 804-740-8795.
Let him Fly the Flag!!!
You should be honored to have this man live in your community. Make an exception and move on before you replace Tiger at being stupid.
WHAT kind of butt heads your local Gov. Col Barfoot is a mans man. What have you done for your natian. Be thankful that he did his part so you can show your butt.
Build him a bigger FLAG POLE to remind you that freedom is free and your thinking is up your butt.
Col. Barfoot stand tall and thanks for everything you did for the UNITED STATES. God Bless You and the USA. Ernie MSGT Ret USAF
Only one comment. Everything else I can think of, someone else has already said. My comment is this. If it were not for men like Col Barfoot, I would be typing this in German.
i can’t beleave the hoa this is a great american to give what he has,the hoa number is disconnected and the atty is full
THANKS FOR POSTING THE PHONE NUMBER, IT NEEDS TO SPREAD LIKE A WILD FIRE. MY GUESS IS WHEN THIS IS ALL OVER THE HOA IN SUSSEX SQUARE WILL WANT TO CRAWL IN A HOLE AND DIE FOR THERE ACTIONS.
CALL THEM AND GIVE THEM HELL.
804-740-8795
Thanks Adam for the phone number. Everyone call these people. 804-740-8795. Every day. every day…….
The problem here is simple. Homeowner Associations have RULES, not LAWS. This guy is a MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT! He deserves free legal defense and the law firm who took on the case against him should be given much more heat for their lack of respect for this HERO. Tell me they’re not in it for the publicity. Further evidence of the lack of values in the legal system. As long as this HERO is not breaking any law, he has earned the entitlement to fly OUR FLAG any way he wants. As for the one comment about “where’s the President now?”…..well, if we had an AMERICAN President, one would not have to ask such a question.
I wonder how many of the SSHOA members have ever actually approached Col. Barfoot and shook his hand and thanked him for his service.
Col. Van T. Barfoot. THANK YOU SIR. FOR GIVING ME THE FREEDOM TO LIVE FREE. THANK YOU SIR. FOR DEFENDING MY RIGHT OF FREE SPEECH!! THANK YOU SIR. FOR LOVING OUR COUNTRY. THANK YOU SIR. FOR FLYING THE AMERICAN FLAG ON YOUR PROPERTY ON A POLE THAT YOU OWN ON YOUR PROPERTY. EVERY AMERICAN HAS THAT RIGHT . THE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATIONS LONG AGO WAS CREATED TO MAINTAIN THE PROPERTY NOT DESTROY IT. THE ASSOCIATIONS RULES ARE JUST THAT MAN MADE RULES, THAT ARE MADE TO CONTROL ANOTHER’S RIGHT TO LIFE AS HE/SHE SEE’S FIT , ANOTHER’S RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH ,ANOTHER’S RIGHT OF HAPPINESS. THANK YOU SIR FOR DEFENDING YOUR COUNTRY NOT ONLY IN A FOREIGN LAND ,BUT THANK YOU SIR. FOR DEFENDING YOU COUNTRY IN YOUR OWN YARD AGAINST THOSE DOMESTIC IDIOTS IN THE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION..
I have already written the law firm chastising them for lack of common sense and decency. This Col is a hero, and may have fought next to my deceased Dad. I would gladly stand up next to him and defend her still today!!! Can anyone get the email address of the HOA and go to the law office website and let them know this is the kind of thing that gives lawyers the reputation they have.
These are the scumbags that are representing the Home Owners Association Let them know what you think of their taking the HOA’s case.
Coates & Davenport
5206 Markel Road, Suite 200
Richmond VA 23230
Toll Free: (800) 450-8311
Local Phone: (804) 285-7000
General Fax: (804) 285-2849
Real Estate Fax: (804) 285-3426
You can also visit their site and send them a message: http://www.coateslaw.com/CM/Custom/Contact.asp
If you want to send a message of support to the Colonel
send it here:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=info&gid=190716948379
one thing i read tonight — in 2006 then president bush signed legislation which bans homeowners associations from forbidding people to put up American flags.
guess these jerks at sussex don’t read or obey presidential legislation.
Homeowner Associations — next worse thing to big government. I am ashamed that this could and does happen in our country — well, I must take that back — this in not our country anymore. It seems to belong to the government and those homeowners associations …. get real folks and wake-up, this crap has got to stop. Give the guy a break!!