Chairman’s Corner
Greetings to all of our Veterans, family and supporters!
We are just days away from Spring and things are looking better! As of the time of this writing the State of Indiana is allowing those age 50 and older to be vaccinated. This age adjustment clearly covers all of our eligible Veterans, many of their family members and our wonderful volunteers. Our hope is as the numbers of protected persons increase, so will our chances of being able to fly again! This news, along with some warmer air and bright sunshine is making everyone feel better.
Our local Board of Directors has been monitoring the local and national events along with staying in contact with the Honor Flight Network for updates. While nothing has officially changed, we are seeing some good indicators of positive results.
One event is still going on as planned; the annual Avon Cruise-In will begin as planned on the first Saturday of May! Since this is an outdoor event, we are able to continue to partner with our good friends the Hales and continue this terrific event for another summer. As an added bonus, new t-shirts will be available for purchase at the event! This event has raised thousands of dollars in donations for Indy Honor Flight and this year is no different. All money raised benefits our ability to find, equip and prepare for our flight of honor. See you at 6 PM, the Lowes parking lot, 7893 E US 36 in Avon. A great opportunity to see some fine cars and safely visit with friends while you support Indy Honor Flight. The Cruise-In is FREE, just like a flight to D.C. for an eligible WWII, Korea or Vietnam wartime Veteran!
The National Honor Flight Network has partnered with the AARP to provide a web-based anti-scam program at 7 PM on March 9th. Please see the information for this important program below. I assure you there are many crooks out there trying to take advantage of all of us every day, so watch and learn how to protect yourself and your family. The program is open to all!
Sadly, IHF lost a good friend recently. Ron Freese, an award-winning model builder and long-time IHF supporter passed away. Many of you recall seeing Ron and a sample of his models at our dinners and reunions. His super-detailed dioramas and various war machines brought back many memories for our Veterans and a way to start many wonderful stories. He was a loving, talented and very patient man. Our condolences to his lovely wife, Deanna, and his children and grand-children.
This is a reminder to all of us to take a moment to enjoy life each day and spend time with our friends and family. Also it serves as a reminder to please help us keep our records updated. If you are aware of a Veteran who has flown with us or is on our waiting list and has moved, changed a phone number/email or, sadly, passed away, please contact us. Our contact information is shown below and is on our website 24 hours a day.
We are still in business; we are accepting Veteran/Guardian/Volunteer applications, all are available on our website. Once we get a release, stand by to see us reaching out to those Veterans who have been patiently waiting! In the meantime, please stay healthy and safe!
Dale True
Chairman, Indy Honor Flight
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON HOW TO SIGN UP FOR THE COVID VACCINE
Click on the “click here to find a vaccination site and register” and it will show you the entire state of locations. Click on the locations closest to you. If you do not have a computer, call 211 from any phone and someone will be able to assist you. Please remember, the vaccine requires two doses and you do not have the best level of protection until two (2) weeks after your second dose. Indy Honor Flights’ medics and medical associates are strongly recommending our most at risk folks get the vaccine as soon as possible!
Whose ready for the Cruise In?
Our friends at the Avon IN Summer Cruise In will be back in operation starting Saturday May 1st!!! Gathering at the Avon Lowes Parking lot every Saturday from 6pm to 9pm until the end of September. Come join us and snag one of these awesome shirts! Address in the events section below.
From the Avon IN Cruise IN:
In response to the overwhelming demand, we will be featuring the all new Avon Summer Cruise-In T-Shirt this season. This was a collaboration effort with Indy Honor Flight and, as always, the proceeds from sales of this one of a kind, beautiful, unrivaled shirt will go right back to Indy Honor Flight. Shirts will be available to purchase at our first cruise-in this year (May 1st) and at every cruise-in thereafter. Sizes M-XL = $20.
2X, 3X and 4X = $21
Be one of the very first to rep your favorite Saturday summertime hangout with your very own Avon Summer Cruise-In T-shirt and help a great cause while doing it.
*as always, prices subject to change due to supplier costs*
Laughter is the best Medicine!
We have our own YouTube Channel!
If your goal this year is to get stronger, have better balance or just all around feel better…we got you covered! Check out our series of exercise videos on our Youtube channel linked below. They are short and sweet and easy to do! We have numbered them so you can do them in order. While they won’t make you look like Arnold Swartzenegger they will help you to go about your day to day a little easier!
Let us know what you think!
Shop Amazon and help IHF!
It’s an “add to cart kinda day”!
Did you know when you shop Amazon for your daily needs you can help us fly our heroes too? Just shop Amazon Smile and they will donate a percentage of your purchase to us!!! Sign up for Amazon Smile and select Indy Honor Flight as the charity you support, that is all there is to it!
Spring Bucket Lists IHF Style
We asked some of our amazing volunteers what they were most looking forward to with the coming of Spring. below are their answers:
Edward Valdettaro – A chance to reach out to those who have been isolated for so long. Community building, we have lots of work to do !!
Debbie Nunnally – Getting to open our camper and head out to TN! Fundraising for IHF in May! (details to come soon)
Emily Stephens – Warmer weather and getting outside more. Along with adding to our garden and planting some more veggies this summer.
Danny Shields – I am looking forward to Saturday night car shows and preparing to interview heroes to send to D.C. in the fall (fingers crossed).
Ronda Notter – Celebrating Vera’s 101st birthday. (US TOO RONDA!!!)
Jeanne Haywood – long walks on warm days, and the sun on my face.
Tine Martin – The Avon Summer Cruise In and seeing everyone.
We hope you are thinking of and planning for those activities that will fill your heart up and warm your soul!
IHF Out and About in 2021
- All Monthly Meals Postponed
- Avon Summer Cruise In May 1st, 6pm Avon Lowes parking Lot.
7893 East U.S. Highway 36
Avon, IN 46123 - TENTATIVE – Flight #34 November TBD
We aren’t going anywhere just taking all the necessary precautions to keep everyone safe!
We look forward to the time when we can be together again and get back to giving out those free hugs!
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