Local Veterans Honored at Dogwood Forest Assisted Living

Pictured (l-r) are Randy Martinez,  Glenda Martinez,  J. J. Klauss,  Dale Klauss, ; Linda Robinson, Phyllis King,  Susan Sloan,  Betty Harrah, Natalie Davis, Denny Leander,  Patsy Leander, and Bill Cain.

Dogwood Forest Assisted Living in Fayetteville was the site of patriotic pride on Veterans Day as 15 veterans were honored for their service to America.  The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution presented certificates of appreciation and goody bags to the veterans while the American Legion Post 105 honored the veterans with certificates, flags and pins. 

The James Waldrop Chapter DAR is chartered in Fayetteville, GA.

Photo source:  James Waldrop Chapter DAR

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Veterans Get a Heroes Celebration at Spring Hill Elementary

Robert Ryff, U.S. Coast Guard, salutes students as they welcome him to the Veterans Day assembly.

Students dressed in red and white and holding American flags lined the hallway of Spring Hill Elementary to welcome over 60 veterans who were honored at the school on Veterans Day.

Both retired and active service military personnel from the U.S. Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, and Coast Guard were recognized and thanked for their service and sacrifices. The students recited “Heroes Die for Me” and sang “Song for the Unsung Hero,” among a number of other patriotic songs, as their honorees watched and listened from the stage of the school’s cafeteria.

Among the honored guests was Lt. Col. (Ret.) Sharon Collins, former assistant principal of Spring Hill Elementary and mother of Army 1st Lt. Robert Collins who was killed in Iraq earlier this year. All staff members wore a star with Robert Collins’ picture in his honor. Also among the veterans honored was the school’s principal, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Randy Hudson.

Students presented each veteran with a special medallion to commemorate the day as their names and branch of military were announced. Veterans who fought in WW II, the Vietnam War and Operation Iraqi Freedom were in attendance.

Each grade level, K through fifth, also presented a HeroBox to Tyrone resident Ryan Housley, founder and executive director of HeroBox.org. Each box contained food, personal hygiene and entertainment items that have been requested by deployed soldiers. The third grade was declared the grade level winner, collecting the most items in the shortest amount of time.

“It is people like you that enable us to support our soldiers and give them what they need,” Housley told the students as he explained the mission of his organization and that it started because his brother, Evan, who was deployed to Iraq in late 2007, noted that the typical care packages soldiers receive were generic and did not always provide items they need.

HeroBox.org is a nonprofit organization that gives deployed service members the ability to request specific items while providing Americans with a way to directly support the troops. HeroBox.org was launched in 2008.

Major Robert “Josh” Woodruff was the Master of Ceremonies. Teachers Shelby Garner, chairperson of the Rays of Sunshine Service Committee, and Karen Neuner, music teacher and head of the Veterans Day Activity Committee, organized the program.

Following the assembly, the veterans enjoyed a reception in the media center and visits to classrooms.


Photo Source: Fayette County Board of Education
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Schools Set to Honor Veterans on Veterans Day

Veterans and active military personnel from throughout the county will be special guests of Fayette County Public Schools this Veterans Day as they attend assemblies, parades, and other special events recognizing their service and sacrifices for our country.

Students and teachers have been planning and organizing events for weeks. Preparation began with classroom instruction about the significance of Veterans Day and why it is important to remember those who have, and are serving in the United States military.

Combined with their studies, students have been working on songs, skits, short plays and assemblies to which they are inviting veterans from their school communities to attend. Here is a brief rundown of events happening at schools around the county on Veterans Day, November 11:

Braelinn Elementary will host a breakfast from 8:30-9:15 a.m. for veterans and active military personnel with a flyover, weather permitting, from 9:15-9:45 a.m.

Brooks Elementary is serving lunch to veterans from 11 a.m.-noon followed by an assembly featuring the Sandy Creek High School Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard. The school’s annual Veterans Day Parade will take place 1:15-2 p.m. with music from the Whitewater High School Marching Band.

Cleveland Elementary fourth and fifth grade students will perform a musical titled “Faces of Freedom” at 7 p.m. The program will also feature a kindergarten soloist.

Crabapple Lane Elementary will hold an assembly at 8:30 a.m. to honor veterans in its school community. Immediately following the assembly, the students will line the halls for the Veterans Walk. The walk was one of the most touching moments from last year’s celebration, according to Principal Doe Evans. “One of our grandfathers, who has difficulty walking, would not ride in a wheelchair, but insisted on walking the entire distance. Our students cheered him on. It brought tears to our eyes,” she says.

Fayette Middle will have its annual Veterans Day program at 9 a.m. in the gymnasium with Principal Sharlene Patterson’s twin sister, USAF Colonel Shirlene Ostrov, as one of the speakers. A reception will follow in the media center.

Huddleston Elementary will begin its annual Veterans Day assembly at 8 a.m. in the school’s gymnasium.

Peeples Elementary will invite past and present military personnel to join them at 1:45 p.m. for a walk around the school. Students will honor them by lining the hallways, waving flags and singing patriotic songs.

Sara Harp Minter Elementary will invite veterans to join students for a special assembly featuring The Voice of Veterans.

Spring Hill Elementary will have a daylong celebration for veterans beginning with a Patriotic Parade in the school from 9-9:15 a.m. immediately followed by an assembly where each veteran will receive a medal in honor of their service and sacrifice. Students will also perform a Patriotic Musical Salute. The school will host a reception after the assembly and veterans will visit classrooms.

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Honor Flight Fayette Presents Flag to Sheriff’s Department

 Pictured left to right:  Sergeant Doug Hardy, Investigator Brent Lonkert, Investigator Chad Wallace, Captain Brian Eubanks, Sheriff Wayne Hannah, Honor Flight vice president Mark Buckner and Honor Flight Fayette president Gail Sparrow

On each flight Honor Flight Fayette makes, one or two United States flags make the trip with the veterans to the World War II memorial and back to Fayetteville. After they return, the board makes the sometimes difficult decision as to which group that has helped HFF should receive the flag. The difficulty is due to the fact that so many individuals and groups have helped make these trips possible.

If you took a literal count of each person who has helped Honor Flight Fayette, it would number in the hundreds, maybe even a thousand. That includes each person who donated time, money, ideas and each and every effort – no matter how small or large. Groups like the Patriot Guard, VFW and American Legion posts, schools and others have contributed. Then there have been individuals who donated large and small amounts of money to help, or donated their time and talents. It would take a very long article to list the many ways people in Fayette county have made this huge project so successful.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s department has been there for each and every trip Honor Flight Fayette has made to D.C. Assisted by Fayetteville and Peachtree City police, they escort the buses of World War II veterans to the airport very early in the morning and back to Fayetteville late that same day. The veterans are always in awe of the traffic that is stopped so they can make this trip quickly and safely. Without the Sheriff’s office, this would not be possible. This is one of the reasons they were chosen to receive a flag at a reception held for the veterans and guardians who made the trip in May.

September 15th will mark the 7th and final trip by Honor Flight Fayette to D.C. with a group of about 70 veterans. This will make a total of almost 500 vets that have made this trip since the first one in 2008.

Honor Flight Fayette would like to encourage anyone who can to line the streets with their flags on September 15th and give this last group the send off they deserve. The buses will leave Fayetteville First United Methodist Church at 6:30 a.m. and will travel Hwy 54 west, turn right on Hwy 85 north and then north on Hwy 314 to the airport. And, of course, the Fayette County Sheriff’s office will be there again to help.

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Honor Flight Fayette's 6th Trip to DC was May 4th- Final Trip to be in the Fall

Another group of 70 excited World War II veterans made the one day round trip to the nation’s capitol on May 4th to see their memorial, as well as making other stops including Arlington Cemetery to see the changing of the guard.

As has happened in the past, many people along the way took the time to say “thank you” and give hugs to these veterans; however, there were more tears of gratitude seen than ever before on these trips. Perhaps these heroes of the “greatest generation” reminded the on-lookers of their fathers, grandfathers, mothers or grandmothers who served in World War II. Some of them came home and lived productive lives, some were terribly wounded, but some never came home at all.

In addition to the horrors of war, some veterans received “Dear John” letters while they were away, but lucky veterans returned to waiting sweethearts. Some found their loves after they returned, and others fell in love “over there” and brought their wives-to-be, to a land foreign to them, to begin a new life together.

The loyalty and tenacity these veterans had for their country extended to their marriages, families, faith and jobs. The old sayings “don’t start something you can’t finish”, and “if you are going to do it, do it right the first time” so perfectly sums up the attitude of these amazing men and women.

After taking 420 veterans for this trip to D.C., Honor Flight Fayette will make its last trip in the coming fall, making a total of 490 veterans that this organization has had the privilege of meeting. The stories heard, the tears witnessed and appreciation expressed by the veterans is equaled to or exceeded by the emotions felt by those fortunate enough to accompany them to Washington.

If you are a World War II veteran, or would like to be a volunteer or guardian, please contact honorflightfayette.org or call 770-719-1024 for further information.

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Honor Flight Fayette Prepares for 6th Trip to Washington DC

Board members, volunteers and guardians are just as excited to be planning this trip to our nation’s capitol, to take World War II veterans to see their memorial, as they were for the first flight 2 years and 420 veterans ago. In fact, this non-profit organization has not waned in their determination to see that as many veterans as possible take this trip.

The project has a sense of urgency since all of the World War II veterans are over 80 years of age and many are in declining health. In fact, we are losing them at the rate of 1,000 per day in this country.

The next trip is planned for May 4th, and everyone is invited and encouraged to give this group a warm send off. They will leave First United Methodist Church in buses around 6:30 a.m. and travel west on Highway 54 to Highway 85 north, taking 314 toward the airport.

The Patriot Guard will lead the buses as combined members of all local law enforcement agencies smooth the way for the buses to the airport. The veterans are always very surprised at those waving flags on the sidewalks, traffic stopping at intersections and police officers saluting them as they pass by in the buses. They usually say they don’t understand what all the fuss is about, but they really do appreciate and enjoy it.

Every measure is taken to insure the veterans’ safety on this excursion. A doctor, 2 nurses and 4 medical personnel are on each flight, and the guardians must attend a training session before they are allowed to accompany a veteran.

If you would like to volunteer, make a donation or obtain further information about this organization, please check honorflightfayette.org or call 770-719-1024.

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Sparrow of Honor Flight Fayette Honored by DAR with Community Service Award

 Pictured (l-r) are James Waldrop Chapter DAR Regent Betty Harrah, George Sparrow, Gail Sparrow and James Waldrop Community Service Award Chairman Crol Key. 

Gail Sparrow was recently honored by the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution by being named the 2009 Community Service Award recipient.  According to Sparrow, Honor Flight Fayette is all about honoring the veterans.  This is their day to tell and demonstrate how special they are, and how grateful America is to them for preserving our freedoms.

World War II veterans in Fayette County have many reasons to be grateful.  The mighty warriors who fought in the world's biggest war some 65 years ago helped maintain the freedoms American patriots have fought and sacrificed for over 265 years. Today, these same warriors are shown how much their efforts are remembered by Honor Flight Fayette and its founder, Gail Sparrow.

Sparrow had heard of the National Honor Flight mission to take World War II veterans to see their memorial in Washington, DC at no cost.  Sparrow had a vision to start this tribute in Fayette County.  With Mark Westmoreland, Mark Buckner, Brenda Smith and George Sparrow at her side, Gail Sparrow started Honor Flight Fayette in 2007.

Each trip takes over $40,000 to make it happen.  Chartered flights, medical personnel and many volunteers are needed to make each flight a success.  Sparrow talks to anyone who will listen, and Fayette County has listened well.  Countless students, corporations and individuals all reach deep into their pockets to help Sparrow's dream come true.  It's not just Sparrow's dream to honor our veterans.  Her enthusiasm has spread and the whole community has embraced her vision.  Over the last couple of years, Honor Flight Fayette has raised over $250,000 for our veterans to take them to their monument.  Waiting lists of World War II veterans are kept and more flights are added on a regular basis.

It is with many thanks to Gail Sparrow for her vision to honor America's Greatest Generation that the James Waldrop Chapter DAR was able to honor her.  The James Waldrop Chapter DAR is chartered in Fayetteville.







Story and photo by Ann Eldredge

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Honor Flight Fayette Prepares for 6th Trip to DC

On May 4th, Honor Flight Fayette will take another group of World War II veterans to Washington, D.C. to see their memorial, bringing the total to about 420 men and women who have been honored by this non-profit organization since May of 2008.

A very dedicated group of volunteers has worked tirelessly for 2 ½ years to insure that members of our “greatest generation” have a day trip that they will not forget, because we are losing these men and women at the rate of over 1,000 per day. Also, a doctor, 2 nurses and 4 members of the Fayette county emergency medical staff accompanies each flight.

The day begins with breakfast, often provided by Chick-fil-A or Waffle House, at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church. There the veterans mingle for the first time that day with others of their era to reflect and remember. Then they board buses from FFUMC and First Baptist of Fayetteville, and leave to cheers and waving of flags by appreciative members of the community.

In addition to being escorted by the Fayette County Sheriff’s office, Fayetteville police department and Peachtree City police officers, the buses are led by members of the Patriot Guard motorcycle group. Many of these men and women have flags mounted on the rear of their motorcycles, and they form an “honor guard” for the veterans to pass through from the buses into the Atlanta airport. The veterans have always stated their appreciation for all of these groups, and are amazed that cars stop and police officers salute as they pass through intersections.

Air Tran makes this flight memorable for everyone involved in so many ways. They have extra security lines open just for this group, as many of them move slowly or are in wheelchairs, which are always provided at no charge by Absolute Medical. When the plane lands at Reagan Airport, and when they return to Atlanta, they are greeted by crowds cheering and waving flags who have been alerted by Air Tran of their arrival. There are many tears and smiles by the veterans who often ask in surprise “are these people all here for us?” When they returned from World War II there was no fanfare, just concern about finding jobs and returning to civilian life, and they are very moved by this display of patriotism and gratitude.

In Washington, D.C. they board comfortable motor coaches and are taken to their Memorial where they spend time observing and recalling memories of their service during war time. Some of them have never shared with their families their experiences of being shot down, as prisoners of war, or hiding from the enemy with the help of those on our side in foreign lands. They were at Pearl Harbor, Omaha Beach, Normandy or served stateside, and many of them have been decorated, but all are heroes.

A group of active and guard military personnel meets every flight at Reagan Airport and assists Honor Flight Fayette, and their guardian volunteers, with the veterans throughout the day. Their support, led by SSG Joshua Romans of Fayetteville, is invaluable and much appreciated by HFF and the veterans.

If time permits, a stop is made at other memorials. However, a stop is always made at Arlington Cemetery where they watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown. This solemn ceremony never fails to evoke appreciation from those who have, or those who have not, served in our military.

Dinner is back at Reagan Airport in a space provided by the local USO. By now, tired but at the same time energized by their experiences, the veterans share with each other about the day they have just enjoyed, and are enlightened by the stories of those who served in different areas of combat than they had experienced.

Back in Atlanta, the veterans are once again greeted, even late in the day, by Air Tran personnel and everyone else in the area who has heard the announcement that they are arriving. Once again they hear “thank you for your service” and receive hugs or handshakes of appreciation. They board the church buses for Fayetteville and a day, many say, was the “best day of my life”, although some add “after my marriage” or “the birth of my children”. Any way you look at it, Honor Flight Fayette and the citizens of Fayette county have given a special gift to those who made our many freedoms of life today possible.

A few weeks after each flight Fayette Senior Services volunteers their facility so that Honor Flight Fayette can host a reception and reunion of the veterans, their family members, their guardians, volunteers and the HFF board members. More surprises await them at this reception, and it is a memorable time for all involved.

If you would like to contribute to Honor Flight Fayette, are a veteran, or wish to be a volunteer or guardian, please call 770-719-1024. However, no donations will be accepted from World War II veterans as the sole purpose of Honor Flight Fayette is to thank them for their patriotism and sacrifices.

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Fayette County Schools Prepare for Veterans Day Celebrations A Long Standing Tradition Continues in Brooks

Public schools throughout Fayette County will recognize and honor the community’s veterans and active duty military personnel on Veterans Day (November 11) with breakfasts, special programs and receptions.

One of the largest and longest-running Veterans Day celebrations takes place at Brooks Elementary where the school’s students honor veterans with songs, music and messages of “thanks” during a patriotic assembly followed by a parade through the town of Brooks and a picnic at the school. This annual tradition is in its eighth year.

The Veterans Day celebration has become a tradition that the Brooks community holds near and dear to its heart. Because of the current economic situation, cuts in the school’s transportation budget put the performances of the Sandy Creek High Air Force JROTC Color Guard and the Whitewater High marching band in jeopardy. The Brooks Elementary student council turned to the Brooks Town Council for help.

“One by one, out of the goodness of their souls, these individual councilmen signed over their quarterly paychecks to Brooks Elementary. It was a spiritual moment indeed,” says Pre-K teacher Dana Sams, one of the organizers of the celebration. “Next a business person offered to pay for a large banner in the town square announcing the program, a local minister offered his church’s assistance and a teacher wrote a personal check. There wasn’t a dry eye in the Town Hall. If you don’t think that Mayberry, USA exists, then you need to come to Brooks, Georgia and visit our community school. This is America at its finest.”

More than 100 local veterans and their families have received hand-written invitations from the school’s fifth graders. Special letters of thanks and well wishes have also been sent to Lt. Daniel Berschinski of Peachtree City, who is currently recuperating at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington D.C. He lost both legs and sustained other injuries after stepping on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. He is a 2002 graduate of McIntosh High.

“His family has already indicated how touched they have been by the letters and cards that Brooks has already sent; and we’ve only just begun,” says Sams.

The honored veterans, along with the school’s students, parents and staff, and a total of 18 red wagon floats and banners, will parade through downtown Brooks with Mayor Bobby Butler (a Korean War veteran) leading as grand marshal. This will be Butler’s last year as grand marshal before his tenure as mayor ends in December.

Hungry parade participants will gather back at the school to enjoy an All-American picnic lunch of hot dogs and all the trimmings. Students will have an opportunity to listen to veterans tell stories from their military experiences as the celebration winds down.

“Children sense the gravity of what it means to have freedoms here in America that like-aged children in other countries do not have. They get the special privilege of shaking hands and sharing a hot dog with a real life hero or heroine,” says Sams.

If you plan to go, here is the schedule for the celebration: 8:30 a.m., reception; 9:30 a.m., program; 10:15 a.m., parade; 11:11 a.m., moment of silence followed by the All-American picnic lunch.

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Fayette County Commissioners Proclaim September 19 as Honor Flight Fayette Day

Board members pictured are President Gail Sparrow, front left, and Publicity Chair Brenda Smith, 3rd from left in back.

At the Fayette County Commissioners' Meeting on September 19, 2009, Honor Flight Fayette was presented with a proclamation naming September 19th as Honor Flight Fayette Day. That is the day that HFF will take the 5th group of veterans to Washington D.C. to see their memorial, bringing the total of veterans taken by this group to 350.

The community is encouraged to come out on the 19th at 6:30 a.m. to wave flags and banners and give these members of the "Greatest Generation" a rousing send off from the First Methodist Church in Fayetteville next to the old courthouse.

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World War II Veterans Ready to Fly September 19

September 19th will be like Christmas morning for approximately 70 veterans of the “Greatest Generation” as they gather at the First United Methodist Church in Fayetteville for breakfast and to board buses for Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. They are also provided with lanyards and Honor Flight Fayette t-shirts to wear during the day, which is totally free of cost to them. This is just the first step in a day long journey dedicated as a “thank you” gesture to them for their valiant service during World War II.

As the buses get under way, they will be escorted by Patriot Guard members as well as law enforcement officers from Fayetteville, Fayette County and Peachtree City. The public is encouraged to line the streets by 6:30 a.m. that Saturday morning with flags and banners to give the veterans a spirited sendoff.

After a short flight to D.C., they will land at Ronald Reagan Airport where they are greeted by military personnel from different branches of the service who have requested the day off specifically to be with and assist guardians with the veterans. The veterans will then board motor coaches for their comfort during the day. Although the World War II Memorial is the main feature, they will ride by the memorials for Iwo Jima, the Korean War, Viet Nam and Arlington National Cemetery. Time permitting, stops will be made at these locations also.

The veterans’ visit to “their” memorial is always one of mixed emotions, and very often tears can be seen in their eyes as well as those of the guardians who are there to help them through the day. Sometimes they share stories as they walk around the memorial, and sometimes they just reflect in silence because memories are too poignant or too painful.

After they return from these trips to D.C., veterans have often said that it was the most wonderful day of their lives, second only to marriage or the birth of children. However, the guardians who accompany them, and pay their way to do so, will tell you it was one of the most special days of their lives also.

Honor Flight Fayette is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which is staffed totally by dedicated volunteers whose only purpose is to honor and say “thank you” to the brave veterans of World War II. If you would like to learn more about Honor Flight Fayette, become a volunteer or make a donation, please check honorflightfayette.org or P. O. Box 1209, Fayetteville, GA, 30214.


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Honor Flight Fayette Prepares for 5th Trip to DC on September 19th

Pictured (l-r): Barb Curasi makes a donation to Honor Flight Fayette while Fred Smith and Allen Smith, HFF board members, look on.

Approximately 70 World War II veterans and their guardians are getting ready for their turn to board an Air Tran jet bound for Washington, D.C. and their World War II memorial, which was completed only a few years ago. The trips have been made possible largely by the generosity of Fayette County’s citizens, whether individually or through various groups.

Honor Flight Fayette, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was started less than 2 years ago. However, this will mark the 5th flight that has gone to D.C., for a total of almost 350 veterans taken. President Gail Sparrow said “Every time we wonder if we will have the funds to make a flight and, even in this economy, people have opened their hearts and given to this cause. If they could only see the veterans’ faces and hear their comments during these trips, they would have tears in their eyes as we often do ourselves. The veterans are so very appreciative and touched, especially when people stop during the day and take the time to thank them for their service”.

With a board of directors to guide the effort and keep it on track, Honor Flight Fayette exists solely to send the veterans of World War II on these one day trips at absolutely no cost to them. No money is accepted from any of these veterans, though many have tried.

Board members, guardians and volunteers consider this project a labor of love, dedication and determination, and they donate their time and talents as often as needed to make these flights a success. In fact, guardians pay their own way just to be of service to veterans during the entire trip and to insure their safety and enjoyment.

If you would like to be part of this most worthwhile service, obtain more information or make a donation, please contact honorflightfayette.org or call 770-719-1024.

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Peachtree City Police Officers Service Appreciated by Honor Flight Fayette

(l-r)Front row: Gail Sparrow, President of Honor Flight Fayette and George Sparrow, Board Member/Attorney. Back row (l-r): Lt. John Jenkins, Lt. Jason Epps and Cpl. Jay Hughes.


Honor Flight Fayette President Gail Sparrow and board member George Sparrow enjoyed talking to Peachtree City police officers at the recent Glenn Miller Band concert at "The Fred".

Peachtree City officers have joined officers from Fayetteville and Fayette County as escorts when HFF takes WWII veterans in buses to and from the Atlanta airport. This combined effort is a very valuable service and much appreciated by the veterans as well.

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Honor Flight Veterans have Mail Call on Flight to DC

Bella Vransevich, Mrs. Springer, Abby Thompson show the V-mail letters written to the veterans


Thanks to students in Jo Springers' social studies classes at Huddleston Elementary in Peachtree City, veterans traveling to Washington, D.C. with Honor Flight Fayette in October, November or May this school year received an extra surprise.

The students wrote letters in "V-mail" style, which was the way they were written and mailed during WWII, and they were passed out during "mail call" while members of the greatest generation were in flight to the nation's capitol. Questions ranged from "were you scared", "did you miss your family", "were any of your friends or family killed" and "were you injured" to inquiries about where they fought and what branch of the service they were in. Their questions showed a genuine concern for the veterans as well as curiosity and interest about the people and events during that tumultuous time in our nation's history.

Mrs. Springer stated that the students have received replies from many of the veterans, as well as visits to their classrooms. She also said they all felt they had "touched history, and what the children did was truly a labor of love". Mrs. Springer is also proud of her students' vast knowledge of a period of time during which their grandfathers or great-grandfathers were vital participants.

As a board member of Honor Flight Fayette, Mrs. Springer knows what an undertaking it is to prepare for and carry out these "missions" to D.C. in honor of the men and women of World War II. In fact, Honor Flight Fayette, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, exists solely to raise monies for these trips so that veterans can visit their memorial at no charge to them, and no veteran is allowed to donate toward this cause. And, because we are losing these brave citizens at the rate of 1,200 per day in this country, time to honor them is of the essence. The Fayette County branch of the national Honor Flight organization has lost several veterans already, some of whom were scheduled to go on a flight they never got to make.

If you would like to be a guardian, volunteer or to donate to this endeavor please go to honorflightfayette.org Applications for veterans can also be obtained at this site or you can call 770-719-1924.

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ROTC Cadet Donates Prize to WW II Veterans

A cadet in the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Sandy Creek High made a special donation to the county’s World War II veterans and got a special honor of his own.

Thomas Treat, a junior and third-year AFJROTC cadet, was recently named Georgia’s Outstanding Junior ROTC Cadet for 2008-09 by the Sons of the American Revolution and received a $500 cash prize. Treat decided to take half of the award and donate it to Fayette’s Honor Flight program that flies WW II veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorial.

Treat made a presentation of the donation on May 4 shortly before another group of veterans left for their trip to Washington. He says the donation is his way of honoring the men and women of WW II for their sacrifices.

“I want to recognize their service to our country and assist in sending them to see their WW II memorial,” Treat explains.

Honor Flight relies on community donations to fund the flights and other trip expenses such as food and ground transportation. The trip is free for the veterans.

Shortly after announcing his intent to make the donation, Treat was informed that a seat had become available on the May 4 flight and was invited to accompany the veterans on the one-day trip to the memorial.

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Honor Flight Fayette Prepares for 4th Flight to DC

Approximately 70 World War II veterans are excitedly preparing for a flight to the nation's capitol on May 4th for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. To Honor. To Cure., a partnership between Honor Flight Network™ and Theragenics Corporation®, will ensure that they receive the tribute they deserve and the opportunity to visit the National WWII Memorial in Washington, DC—their monument—at no cost to the veteran.

It will be a long, emotional and rewarding day for these heroes. They will gather at Fayetteville First United Methodist Church at 5:30 in the morning and return late that evening. Guardians, who pay their own way, will accompany the veterans to ensure their comfort and safety throughout the day. In some cases, the guardian is a family member of the veteran; in other instances, a member of the community has stepped forward to act in this role and participate in honoring America’s WWII veterans. One guardian on this flight is Jack Griffeth, M.D., Radiation Oncologist, North Georgia Medical Center,who treats patients with prostate cancer.

“I have family members who served in World War II including my Dad who served in the Pacific Theater, and this flight serves two special purposes for me,” Dr. Griffeth said. “I’m able to pay homage to the noble men and women who so proudly served and protected our country. I’m also able to help spread the important message of knowing the options to treat – and cure - prostate cancer.”

The day will be filled with reminiscing, reacquainting, and making new friends and memories. Eric Haney (CSM retired) will represent Theragenics® on the flight as the spokesperson for the company’s prostate cancer patient education program. He served in some of the Army’s most demanding combat units: as a combat Infantryman, a Ranger and as an early operational member of Delta Force. Haney is participating in To Honor. To Cure. because he saw first hand how prostate cancer affected some of his personal friends and, because they were screened and their cancer was detected early, they realized a positive outcome. Haney believes heightened awareness of prostate cancer will encourage men to get checked early since early detection typically offers the best success rate.

Theragenics has donated $10,000 to Honor Flight Fayette, as well as nine other national hubs in the Honor Flight Network, to bring tribute to our WWII veterans and allow them to travel to Washington D.C. to see their monument. M. Christine Jacobs, Theragenics Chairman and CEO, said. “But our involvement goes further – to their health. We strongly encourage these men and other men in their families, to get checked and, if faced with an unfortunate diagnosis of prostate cancer, to research and know their options for treatment.”

Haney’s timing in becoming a spokesperson has some urgency to it. Last year, the University of California-Davis Cancer Center released findings that, when compared to other populations, those who served in Vietnam are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer, are four times as likely to develop more aggressive forms and are likely to be diagnosed 2 and a half years younger than veterans who weren’t exposed to Agent Orange.

Haney will encourage men to become active in the care of their own health, go to the doctor regularly and know their treatment options for prostate cancer, including brachytherapy or seed therapy. Theragenics Corporation manufactures TheraSeed® the most commonly used palladium-103 seed in brachytherapy, a leading, non-invasive treatment for prostate cancer. Haney will blog about his experiences (at www.tohonortocure.com) aboard the flights as well as at speaking engagements scheduled with key veteran’s organizations.

The Honor Flight Network was founded in May 2005 by Earl Morse. Based on recent 2008 statistics, we are losing WWII veterans at the rate of approximately 1,000 per day because of their senior age. The network www.honorflight.org hopes to have transported 25,000 WWII veterans by the end of 2009. Honor Flight Fayette plans to have taken about 350 members of the "greatest generation" in 2008-2009 as a small way of thanking them for making our way of life today possible.

To be placed on the list as a veteran, guardian or volunteer or to make a donation, please go to honorflightfayette.org or call 770-719-1024.

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Rising Starr Student Places In Voice of Democracy Competition

A Rising Starr Middle student’s essay and recorded speech outlining how the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans benefits youth today took third place honors in the 2009 Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Peachtree City, Post 9949.

Sarah Graham received a $100 U.S. Savings Bond for her winning essay and was recognized during the VFW’s annual Christmas Party on December 12 at the Gathering Place in Peachtree City.

Also recognized at the party were two home schooled students who were the first and second place winners. Benjamin Horton took first place and received a $200 U.S. Savings Bond and Christopher Horton placed second and earned a $150 U.S. Savings Bond.

The contest gives students in grades 9-12 attending public, private, parochial or home school an opportunity to express their thoughts on a patriotic theme, allowing them the opportunity to improve both writing and speaking skills while competing for awards. This year’s theme was “Service and Sacrifice by America’s Veterans Benefits Today’s Youth by...”

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ROTC Cadets Answer Early Call

This assembly marks the third time Air Force Junior ROTC cadets have honored WW II veterans participating in Honor Flight Fayette. (L-R) Linda Lehmann, Michael McColister, John Downing, Jerrod Thomas, Phillip Hays, Dustin Gonzalez, Catherine Dougherty, Sameer Hasnoo and Megan Shuford.

While their friends were still sleeping, nine Sandy Creek High Air Force Junior ROTC cadets were getting up at 4:30 a.m. to pay tribute to some very special people.

The cadets provided a color guard and saber team salute as World War II veterans gathered on November 12 at the Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, the assembly point for Honor Flight Fayette. The local organization provides an opportunity for WW II veterans to fly free of charge to Washington, DC to see their WWII Memorial.

Over 70 veterans along with their support personnel were there for the 6 a.m. program. This is the third trip that Honor Flight Fayette has sponsored and Sandy Creek’s ROTC cadets have been there each time to provide support during the send-off celebration.

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Fayette County WW II Veterans Say “Thanks” on Veterans Day

World War II veterans Calvin Graves (left center) and Gibbs Ramsey (right center) lead the student body in the Pledge of Allegiance along with Gail Sparrow and assistant principal Ron Plauche.

Students at JC Booth Middle School in Peachtree City have worked hard to help some very special veterans. On Veterans Day, some of those who benefitted from their generosity came to the school to say thanks.

Collectively, the student body has raised over $1,400 for Honor Flight Fayette, a nonprofit organization that flies World War II veterans, at no cost, to see their memorial in Washington, DC. The organization is able to provide the free one-day trips through monetary donations that are used to cover the travel costs.

The Booth students have raised enough money to send five veterans to the memorial. Calvin Graves was one of the first veterans sponsored by the school and was part of the inaugural flight on May 14, 2008.

“I was honored to do what I did for my country and I was proud of my service but I have never been more honored than when 70 of us old guys went to see the WW II memorial. Thank you,” Graves said to the nearly 1,000 students who had packed into the gym to see and hear from the veterans they had helped.

Joining Graves was Gibbs Ramsey, the grandfather of the school’s reading teacher, Courtney Bremer. Gibbs, another veteran sponsored by the school, is going on the Honor Flight scheduled for November 12, the day after Veterans Day. He served in the US Navy during the war and said that he had only one regret.

“We had a great time. I enjoyed every minute of it. My only regret is that I didn’t stay in the Navy,” he said.

Former Fayette County teacher Gail Sparrow, who has been instrumental in heading up Honor Flight Fayette, was also in attendance to thank the students for supporting a cause that is near and dear to her heart.

“Your generosity has sponsored five veterans so that they could go and see their memorial. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you do for these veterans,” Sparrow said.

Honor Flight Fayette accepts donations from individuals and groups throughout the year. To learn more about the program, visit www.honorflightfayette.com.

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Bethune One of Four Military Ladies Aboard 2nd Honor Flight Fayette Recent Trip to Washington

Pictured (l-r) are Hope Davis, Naval Reserve Nurse Corp; Helen Denton, Women's Air Corp; Jeannette Bethune, Army Nurse Corp; Miriam Lloyd, Women's Air Corp.

Imagine what a mother would feel when her 3 youngest children entered the military during World War II, especially when one of those was a daughter who finished nursing school as an RN in December of 1941 and entered the Army Nurse Corps 2 months later in February of 1942.

Jeannette Porter was the young daughter who hoped she would receive an overseas assignment, but instead she served her country in New Hampshire caring for those who had been to foreign lands and returned with injuries. However, Jeannette said she is very thankful and feels blessed to have been able to serve in a nursing capacity because she wanted to help the war effort.

Jeannette's two brothers in the military were definitely in harms way as one landed at Utah Beach and the other at Omaha Beach. She made it a habit to check each medical flight that arrived to make sure one of her brothers was not among the injured.

During that time Jeannette met Ray Bethune who was flying B-25's and looking for submarines off the U.S. shores. They dated but, at that time, women in the military could not be married. Ray was sent overseas to fly B-17's and B-24's and was consequently shot at 3 times over Germany. Twice he managed to make it to France and once he landed in England near the White Cliffs of Dover.

Jeannette left the military in November of 1944 and she and Ray married in May of 1945. They had a daughter and a son, and when Ray passed away 10 years ago they had been happily married for 55 years.

Unfortunately, Jeannette was one of those left homeless by Katrina, but she rebuilt and repaired her home of 35 years. Her daughter, however, convinced her to move to Atlanta to live with her so Jeannette made another home here and is also closer to her son and his family in Florida.

She has 3 grandchildren of whom she is very proud. She quickly tells you one is a nurse, one is in Africa working with missionaries and one just finished high school.

When talking to Jeannette, it is very easy to see how she would have been such a comfort to those she nursed during war time as she has a very friendly and caring demeanor and it is obvious that she loves people. Conversation comes easily to her, but she also listens carefully as you speak.

When asked what she enjoyed the most about her day with Honor Flight Fayette on October 8th to see the World War II memorial, Jeannette stated that absolutely everything was wonderful and that it was a very special day that she never dared hope to have at her age. She also said the memorial brought back memories that were happy and sad, but that she felt so blessed to be there and wishes she could make that same trip again.

Honor Flight Fayette will take off again on November 12th for the 3rd flight this year to the nation's capitol. In all, over 200 World War II veterans will have made this trip during 2008.

Led by President Gail Sparrow, a retired Fayette county teacher, Honor Flight Fayette is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to take as many of our World War II veterans to see their memorial as possible. Time is of the essence as, unfortunately, we are losing 1,400 veterans of that war per day in this country.

If you would like more information or would like to volunteer or contribute to this most worthwhile cause, please contact honorflightfayette.com or call 770-719-1024.

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