Patriotic item to tire personnel (9)
I believe the answer is:
flagstaff
'patriotic item' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'tire personnel' is the wordplay.
'tire' becomes 'flag' (I've seen this in another clue).
'personnel' becomes 'staff' (staff is a kind of personnel).
'flag'+'staff'='FLAGSTAFF'
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for flagstaff that I've seen before include "Flying Pole" , "raising standards here?" , "supporter of Jack?)" , "Arizona community" , "somewhere in Arizona" .)