Fun with Flags in Real Life

Move over Sheldon Cooper* – Here is DeVaughn Simper. aka “Professor Flag”.

DeVaughn is an award winning vexilologist – someone who studies all aspects of flags, including history, design, manufacturing, etiquette, and protocol. DeVaughn grew up as an “Army Brat” with both biological parents serving in the United States Army. His love of flags started in cub scouts. One of the requirements for his Wolf badge was to start a collection. Thirty years later that collection has grown to over 500 flags of all sizes. In his defense – the requirement never said when you were supposed to stop.

His passion for US History and flags got him through some tough childhood experiences and was eventually adopted at the age of 16. He participated in the JROTC program in high school, and was a member of the color guard competing in multiple competitions. He played the trumpet and was on call for funeral details with his ultimate goal being to join the Army and play in “Perishing’s Own”.

When he tried to enlist, it was discovered that he was medically unable to serve in all five branches. This was rather devastating, but he looked for and found other ways to serve.

He has served as the state and regional director for Bugles Across America. Whose mission is to provide live Taps at all veteran’s funerals.

As a member of Civil Air Patrol, he has served as deputy squadron commander, squadron commander, wing recruiting and retention officer, wing director of professional development, wing conference chairman, wing deputy chief of staff, and has trained and advised several color guards. He currently holds the rank of Major.

He worked with the Boy Scouts of America in the Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing, and Sea Scout programs and is currently working on a program for youth to earn the BSA Honor Guard patch.

In addition to the CAP and BSA, DeVaughn also works with the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps and held the positions of division officer, executive officer and Commanding Officer of the NLCC training ship. He currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Jr. Grade and has recently been assigned to the new Maj. Brent Taylor Battalion in Utah County.

For the last 10 years he has written and produced the annual Wreaths Across America ceremony for the Fort Douglas Cemetery. Wreaths Across America is a national program that raises funds to place holiday wreaths on the graves of veterans all over the United States.

An entertaining public speaker, he shares his flag collection and knowledge of our nation’s history and her flags.

In 2019, he was hired by Colonial Flag serving as the Operations Manager and has begun the process to be a Certified DrillMaster. Find him at his Professor Flag Facebook page.

His awards include:

• Exceptional Service Ribbon (CAP)
• Meritorious Service Ribbon (CAP)
• Distinguished Service Ribbon (CAP)
• Unit Commendation (USNSCC)
• President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold and Bronze Level )
• Daughters of the American Revolution Citizens Award.
• Bugles Across America Honor Medal
• Silver Beaver- Great Salt Lake Council, Boy Scouts of America
• George Washington Honor Medal- Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge

*From the television show, The Big Bang Theory.