The effects of COVID-19 have been felt around the world. It has changed the lives of men, women, children, families, sports teams, businesses, and so many more. It has even temporarily taken away the chance for our American Veterans to go on the trip of a lifetime that they are so deserving of – a day in Washington, D.C. visiting military monuments constructed in their honor.
More than 2,600 local Veterans have taken this trip as part of the local Brushy Creek Honor Flight since it first began in May of 2010. This year, two flights were scheduled for these brave men and women who have served – May 9 and Sept. 21. In March the May 9 flight was rescheduled for Aug. 22, 2020 due to the pandemic following guidance from the National Honor Flight Network. Since COVID-19 is still a threat, a few weeks ago, the nation Honor Flight Board of Directors decided that ALL Honor Flights throughout the nation should be suspended for the remainder of the year in order to put the Veterans’ health and safety as their top priority.
Ron Newsum, Chairman of the Brushy Creek Area Honor Flight announced in a letter recently that Brushy Creek is hoping to take their next Honor Flight on May 8, 2021, followed by a second flight on August 28, 2021. Veterans that were scheduled to fly on the May 9, 2020 Honor Flight will be invited to be part of the first 2021 flight to Washington, D.C.
These flights have always been free of charge to our Veterans, made possible by the many generous donations made by both individuals and corporations. Because of these generous people, Veterans have the opportunity to come home with a feeling of appreciation and pride in the job they’ve done by serving their country, some of whom did not receive this welcome home the first time. Because of these flights and the opportunity to see these memorials, they know we are a grateful nation.
If you would like more information about making a donation, or the application process for a Veteran, please contact Julie Reed at jkreed74@gmail.com.
