THE LAST “WESTERVILLE” HONOR FLIGHT

“Westerville For Honor Flight” Sunsets

Seven hundred Westerville and Central Ohio veterans were taken on an all-expense-paid tour of their memorials in Washington, D.C. Twelve years of flights, some $400,000 in total fundraising to charter Southwest and American planes. Dozens of fundraising events, ranging from concerts to breakfasts to parades. More than 1,000 people gathered at John Glenn International Airport for emotional “welcome home” ceremonies. And a dedicated committee of some 20 volunteers with a heart for servicing those who served worked together for more than a decade. “Westerville For Honor Flight” has had a good run.

The Thursday, Sept. 23 flight will be the last Westerville community-sponsored flight. The committee that manages the fundraising efforts will sunset, but Honor Flight Columbus will continue conducting the local effort for military veterans.

“Back in 2008, our goal was to ensure the remaining World War II veterans had this opportunity,” said Julie Colley, Westerville resident and current chair of the Westerville For Honor Flight committee. “Sadly, many of those veterans are gone now, and we evolved into offering Korean and Vietnam veterans this tour of honor. Looking back on what this community has accomplished is awe-inspiring, and everyone in Westerville should be proud of what we did together.”

Colley says there was a sense of urgency 12 years ago to fund these flights. At the time, it was estimated about 1,000 WWII veterans died each day. Honor Flight Columbus had a waiting list for the scheduled trips despite having about two flights each month. Getting as many soldiers and military personnel there from the “Greatest Generation” was an opportunity Westerville couldn’t pass up.

That first year, the committee, led by former Westerville City Councilmember Diane Fosselman, put together representatives of the City, Westerville City Schools, residents, businesses and service clubs to produce events that would raise funds for the inaugural community-sponsored flight. It was scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, escorting about 100 veterans and their guardians (volunteers who stayed with each veteran throughout the day).

Fosselman chaired the committee for about 10 years. In addition to helping raise funds, the group created opportunities for the entire community to participate. The “Welcome Home,” for instance, is an event that became a highlight of the day. That post-flight event has attracted hundreds of residents, along with marching band musicians and companies from veteran and military organizations.

Westerville resident Jeff Reschke has had a hand in organizing many fundraising events, including the annual Pancake Breakfast at the American Legion Post #171. For years, Reschke and the Westerville Lions Club wrangled members of the School Board, City Council and dozens of other organizations to serve food and bus tables for breakfast patrons, many of whom were veterans dressed in recognition of their branch of service.

“We were doing really grassroots fundraising, and Westerville made it happen,” said Reschke. “From eating pancakes to pulled pork sandwiches at 4th Friday, we were able to see this was a community cause people wanted to bring their kids to and be a part of. It has been a really special project.”

Reschke and others say they will continue to support Honor Flight and its local impact on military veterans through Honor Flight Columbus.

If you’re interested in supporting future flights, donations may be made by check (to “Honor Flight Columbus”) or secure credit card payment at www.honorflightcolumbus.org. Donations are tax-deductible; Honor Flight Columbus is a 501c3 organization. For more information please visit www.honorflightcolumbus.org.

The community welcomes back Honor Flight Veterans from one of the first flights.