Honor Flight
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Pictured from left to right: Tom Stenson Honor Flight Kern County; Tony Strauss American Legion Post 221; Commander Jim Rice, Mike Shea, Earl Van Atta, Walter Bulloch, Jim Carmichael, and Al Dameron.
At the Oct. 29 Kern County Honor Flight breakfast American Legion Post Commander Tony Strauss and members of TAL Post 221 gave Tom Stenson, Honor Flight Tehachapi Outreach, a check for $4000. This donation will enable Honor Flight to continue to send local veteran's to Washington DC. There is a breakfast every month at St. Malachy's Church at 9 a.m. for those who have attended and those who are interested in attending. Usually the fourth Saturday of each month, due to Thanksgiving there will be no breakfast in November. The next breakfast will be Dec. 31, 2016.
This is one of 136 hubs from around the country that is part of the Honor Flight Network. HFKC is an all volunteer non-profit created to honor veterans of Kern County and surrounding areas and veterans as far away as the San Fernando Valley. There are approximately 46,000 veterans in Kern County with over 8,000 of them World War II and Korean veterans. Our mission is to honor and send America's veterans to Washington D.C. to see the memorials built in their honor for their service to our country – at no cost to the veteran. Top priority is given to our most senior veterans – World War II veterans – and those from any conflict that are terminally ill – followed by Korean and Vietnam veterans. Every veteran accepted by HFKC for this honor travels at no cost to him/her due to the generosity of tax deductible donations from our community. The trips include all air and ground transportation, meals, overnight accommodations, and guided tours.
Honor Flight Kern County (HFKC) would not be successful without the generous support of our guardians. Guardians play a vital and significant role on every trip, ensuring that every veteran has a safe and memorable experience. Duties include, but are not limited to: physically assisting the veterans at the airport, hotel, memorials, and during the flights.
Costs ($1,200 – subject to change) include all expenses for trip – air & ground travel, hotel & meals and any admission fees. Souvenirs are not included. All applicants may be subject to a Live Scan review as well as an interview. Being a guardian is physically strenuous as there is much walking (up to 7 miles a day), lifting, and pushing transport chair up mild inclines. Please be aware of the physical demands when making your application. Please note – Spouse, companions, and siblings will not be considered as guardians.
If you would like more information on Honor Flight Kern County you may visit http://www.honorflightkerncounty.org or call Tom Stenson at (661) 823-1036.
For more information about the American Legion Post 221 please visit http://www.post221.org
Veteran Collaborative Services
Since the incorporation and non-profit status of Veteran Collaborative Services (VCS) in 2014, the Tehachapi area community and businesses has been totally amazing in their generosity and assistance in supporting the VCS mission. The VCS Directors Norm Clendenin CEO, Ed Grimes EVP and Dave Schulgen VP commit all financial and gift donations received to assisting local veterans and families in need.
We also want to thank all the guests who supported our “annual rib-eye steak and chicken dinner” and to the Warrior Varsity and American Legion Auxiliary for lending a helping hand on Saturday, Oct. 8. We especially thank Cheers to Charity, Dignified Home Loans, Benz Sanitation, South Street Digital, Linda Carhart, Hitching Post Theatre, Petra/Perfetto, Rotary Club, Henry’s Café, Big Papa’s, Domingo’s, Home Depot, The Butcher Shop, Hi-Light Salon, Souza Winery, The Loop and Starbucks for their generous support and donations.
