Texas Offenders Sew the Stars and Stripes with Pride

"There are many flags in many lands, There are flags of many hue, But there is no flag however grand, Like our own red, white and blue." – author unknown

There are many flags produced by the female offenders at the Hilltop Unit Garment Factory in Gatesville. The United States and Texas flags that they sew together fly over the capitol in Austin or any state-funded agency that requests them.

There are 125 offenders assigned to the Hilltop Unit Garment Factory. Each has a role in producing the flags, just like they would in a small business. Some are responsible for accounting and shipping while others oversee quality assurance and the mechanics involved in making a flag. These responsibilities give them much-needed experience for when they return to society and begin seeking employment.

"It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get the opportunity to work on the flag line," said Megan Mohler, Flag Line Supervisor. "I am proud to see the offenders work together as a team to get the job done. We all take pride in making these flags."

In FY 2015, the Hilltop Unit garment factory produced 2,138 U.S. flags and 12,664 Texas flags in a variety of sizes and materials.

The largest Texas flag ever produced at the Hilltop Unit garment factory now flies over the state cemetery in Austin. It is 27 feet high and 40 feet long.

Ironically, the first U.S. flag made by the offenders rolled off the line on December 7, 2009, which was the 68th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

"There is a great sense of patriotism as we watch the production of these flags in our factory," said Gary Beard, Plant Manager of the Hilltop Unit Garment Factory. "It is very rewarding and an honor to provide our customers quality Texas and American flags that are made in the USA."

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