Wooden Flags Made by Veterans
South City Woodworks offers more than just wooden flag designs. This veteran-owned St.Louis enterprise depicts pride and integrity in every custom-made masterpiece.
How a Gift for a Family Friend Turned Into a Profitable Trend
Veteran and St. Louis Police Metropolitan Department officer (SLMPD), Mick O’Callaghan is the proud owner of South City Woodworks. The Ireland native enjoyed making custom woodworks of art for his family and friends in Dublin. When Mick and his wife, Leanne, moved to St. Louis, Missouri, he brought his talent with him.
Once they arrived in the U.S., Mick made the decision to become a combat medic for the Missouri Army National Guard in 2007. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2012, where his vehicle was struck with IEDs and he sustained injuries. As a result, he was honorably discharged and received a Purple Heart for his service and bravery.
Handmade Wooden Flags Auctioned off, Gift Requests Poured in
Still yearning to serve his new nation any way he could, Mick joined the SLMPD in 2015. Two years later, in 2017, St. Louis protests led to violence and gunfire, and a fellow police officer was injured. In efforts to raise money for the injured officer’s medical bills, the SLMPD organized a fundraiser. Mick participated in the fundraiser, having a first-hand knowledge of the lasting impact of sustaining injuries in the line of duty.
Mick put his creativity to work and designed specialized wooden police department-themed American flags.
Once Mick’s creations were posted on Facebook for the fundraiser’s auction, he was met with a slew of requests for similar orders. People proudly paid for these customized pieces, which prompted Mick to open South City Woodworks. And the rest, as they say, is history—or in Mick’s case, a new beginning.
Life-Long Gifts for Deserving Heroes
Mick believes first responders and veterans are obligated to display integrity, determination, loyalty, honor, and courage. Not only does he pride himself on these admirable attributes, but he reiterates the importance of each quality with his hand-carved wooden flags. He’s happy to make these priceless plaques that hold a place on the wall and a place in the recipient’s heart.
South City’s Flag Collections
There’s a multitude of honorable men and women and many branches on which they serve to protect our country. No matter what badge or flag they represent, pre-made pieces are available for purchase or customized designs can be ordered to add an extra touch of personalization. In addition to custom pieces and the featured collection, South City Woodworks creates gifts for all members of the authorities and armed forces, including:
- Air Force
- Army
- Chicago PD
- Department of Corrections
- Federal Agency
- Fire Department
- Health Care
- Marine Corps
- Navy
- NYPD
- Patriotic Flags
- Police Departments
- Sheriff Badges Flags
- State Police Flags
St. Louis Hero Network Salutes South City Woodworks
St. Louis Hero Network is proud to support South City Woodworks, as its products represent each branch in a unique and honorable manner. His customers are thankful that a fun project that began at home led to these amazing wooden customizations.
Mick is a veteran of virtue making dignified designs from wood; it’s safe to say this business is a labor of love.
Visit South City Woodwork’s website or go to our directory for more information.
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