No etiquette expert here, and they’re Air Force, but from an applicable US Army regulation (670-1) it apparently says the following:
“The full-color U.S. flag cloth replica is worn so that the star field faces forward, or to the flag’s own right. When worn in this manner, the flag is facing to the observer’s right, and gives the effect of the flag flying in the breeze as the wearer moves forward. The appropriate replica for the right shoulder sleeve is identified as the reverse side flag.” [The regulation also has an illustration showing a right sleeve with the union forward, to the observer’s right.]
on a hat the stars should be to the flag's own right, but as was posted up thread, if all patches are now velcro backed and he put it there himself, it was a simple mistake on his part, no harm no foul
i was taking issue if it was a mass produced hat with a sewn on flag that would indicate a poor quality control/inspection program on the part of the supplier at taxpayer expense on top of poor flag etiquette
i have no issue with the man doing his job