Talons Out Honor Flight Update

Our great friend and former member of the Rocker Air Force Dan Moyle sent along an update on the Talons Out Honor Flight program.  As you can see, some prominent politicians are getting involved as well.  We thank Dan for letting us be a part in our own small way.

6 Missions, 435 Veterans Served; Talons Out Focuses on Future Flights, Fundraisers

After 6 successful Honor Flights and more than 400 veterans served, Talons Out Honor Flight focuses on the future. “We’re looking to spring 2016 for our next flight,” says Talons Out President, Bobbie Bradley. “We are proud of how far we’ve come, but we also look forward to serving many more of our Greatest Generation.”

On Saturday, September 26, Talons Out flew 83 more veterans (75 WWI vets, 7 Korean War vets and 1 Vietnam veteran) on their Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. This brings our total to 435 local veterans served by our organization of volunteers and supporters.  Approximately 2,000 people came to the Air Zoo to welcome home our 6th Honor Flight.

Lt. Governor Brian Calley, who accompanied Mission-VI, tweeted “Thank you to the huge crowd that at the Air Zoo tonight to welcome the Talons Out Honor Flight veterans back home.”

Lt. Governor Calley also shared a photo of the day with Rep. Fred Upton and Rep. Justin Amash at the WWII Memorial. “We appreciate our elected officials who come out to the memorials to welcome our veterans,” Bobbie Bradley says. “We’re always thrilled to have dignitaries meet their constituents. It means a lot to our veterans.”

Fundraisers will keep Talons Out busy over the coming months, as the non-profit works to fund the next flights in the spring. From local restaurants to spaghetti suppers to an “Honor Your Heroes” benefit hockey game, Talons Out won’t rest. “We’re excited to connect with the community to find more WWII veterans to honor,” Talons Out Vice President Dan Moyle says. “So often at our fundraisers, the funds are the afterthought. We l ove to connect with more families who tell us they want to fly their grandpa or grandma on their Honor Flight.  It’s a wonderful way to come together as a community.”

Upcoming events

Saturday October 24: Spaghetti Supper at Christ United Methodist Church, Battle Creek 4-7pm

Friday November 6: Spaghetti Supper at East Kentwood High, East Kentwood 5-8pm

Follow Talons Out Honor Flight online and on Facebook for the next events.

About Talons Out Honor Flight: Talons Out Honor Flight is a volunteer-run, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization honoring World War II Veterans with an all-expense paid Washington, D.C. trip to visit their memorial. Talons Out is the Southwest Michigan hub of the national Honor Flight Network. Learn more at http://talonsouthonorflight.org

Public inquiries: Please direct all public, community inquiries to 269.273.4545

Media inquiries: Bobbie Bradley 269.719.6931 or Dan Moyle 269.330.4696