OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) — Quinton Walton, a 92-year old Army Air Corps veteran, watched with pride as his new American flag was raised in his front yard Friday afternoon in Opelika.

Walton was drafted into the Army in 1942 at the age of 18 and served for four years in WWII. He was an engineer on a B-24 plane and traveled throughout the South Pacific.

He has been married for 73 years and has three children, whom he taught and raised to respect the flag.

“We honor this country very deeply,” Walton said. We’ve been blessed.”

Auburn resident and U.S. Marine veteran Jamie Popwell, who donated his time to set up Walton’s flagpole, founded Flags for Vets back in January to help veterans place and raise flags on a lighted flagpole, donated in their honor by a sponsor or loved one. Walton’s flagpole was the 21st Popwell set up.

“This felt like it was a purpose for me,” Popwell said. “I am humbled and honored to be able to pay it forward.”

Popwell, who works off donations, travels throughout Alabama and Georgia not only to place flags for veterans, but to hear their stories as well. He also plans to make trips to Mississippi, Tennessee and Florida.

“The stories they tell me are incredible,” Popwell said.

The veterans’ stories and pictures are then shared on the Flags for Vets Facebook page.

Popwell’s mission is to provide flags for veterans in all 50 states.