Nick Flake

“Nick Flake, a proud Vietnam veteran and dedicated advocate for veterans, has called Herriman home since 2003. His journey began in Hazelwood, Indiana, but at the age of five, his family relocated to California, where Nick spent most of his formative years. After graduating from high school and community college in Orange County, California, Nick felt the call to serve his country and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966.

His military journey began at boot camp in San Diego before being stationed at Beaufort, South Carolina. From there, Nick received orders for overseas duty, taking him to Vietnam, where he served his country during one of the most challenging periods in U.S. history. After his deployment, Nick was stationed at the Twelfth Marine Corps Headquarters in San Francisco, California, where he completed his service and received an honorable discharge in 1972. His dedication to service didn’t end there; Nick chose to continue his commitment to the military by serving on active duty in the reserves from 1973 until 1975.

In 1969, Nick married his high school sweetheart, and the couple built a life together, raising two children. After his military service, Nick worked at Hughes Helicopter, where he had the unique job of guarding the iconic Hercules Flying Boat, also known as the Howard Hughes Spruce Goose. When the aircraft was moved to a display building, Nick and his family made a significant move to Idaho in 1984. There, Nick began a new chapter, working as a Port of Entry Officer for the State of Idaho.

Eventually, the Flake family moved to Utah, where Nick began working for the State of Utah’s Correctional System, a role he would hold until his retirement in 2015. Throughout his career, Nick remained steadfast in his commitment to serving his community and fellow veterans.

When Nick and his family settled in Herriman in 2003, the city was still a small, tight-knit community on the outskirts of Salt Lake City. Over the years, Nick has watched Herriman grow, but he and his family still cherish the small-town feel and the strong sense of community that remains.

Since retiring, Nick has dedicated much of his time and energy to helping fellow veterans, a cause that has always been close to his heart. He is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), a prestigious organization dedicated to supporting veterans. Over the years, Nick has held several leadership positions within the VFW, including the esteemed role of Utah Department State Commander. This position allowed him to work closely with veterans across the country, providing support, resources, and a listening ear to those who served.

Nick’s passion for giving back to the veteran community continues to shape his life in Herriman. He remains an active member of the VFW, and his efforts to support his fellow veterans are unwavering. Whether through local events, national initiatives, or one-on-one interactions, Nick is committed to making a difference in the lives of those who have served.

Beyond his work with veterans, Nick enjoys spending time with his family, participating in local community events, and pursuing hobbies like bowling. His journey from Indiana to California, Vietnam, Idaho, and Utah is one marked by service, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to helping others. For Nick, Herriman is more than just a place to live—it’s a community where he can continue his lifelong mission of service.”