A group focused on raising funds to allow Tehachapi area residents to participate in the Honor Flight continues its efforts. The event will be held at Triasic Vineyards on Friday, June 14th from 3pm.
Honor Flight Kern County is a nonprofit organization that organizes special trips to Washington, D.C., for veterans. Tehachapi resident Isadore Asher was part of the first group of World War II veterans selected for Kern County's first honor flight in May 2012. Since then, many other area residents have received this honor.
Honor Flight 50 is planned for October, and Tehachapi resident Steve Miles is leading the fundraising effort.
In addition to the fundraising breakfast held on the last Saturday of each month, Miles has been successful in getting local businesses, individuals, and even government agencies to donate gift certificates and cash for fundraising.
At the April 27 breakfast meeting, representatives from the Golden Hills Community Services District were on hand to present $3,000 checks. At the April 18 CSD board meeting, Mr. Miles asked for a $1,500 donation, and the directors responded with a $3,000 donation. This donation is intended to enable Golden Hills residents to participate in future Honor Flights.
In February, Miles asked the Tehachapi City Council for a $1,500 donation, and the council responded with a $13,500 donation.
A Facebook group, Honor Flight Kern County, Tehachapi Fundraising Division, is promoting local efforts. In addition to fundraising with local real estate agents, the group may start holding “drive-by” birthday celebrations for local veterans.
In addition to cash donations from the city and Golden Hills CSD, Miles reported recently receiving a $10,000 donation from BHE Renewables and several hundred dollars in cash and gift certificates from other area businesses.
Tehachapi's Honor Flight breakfast on the last Saturday of each month is open to everyone. Free for veterans, guests pay $5. The event will be held at the Christian Life Assembly, 920 W. Valley Blvd. in Tehachapi. For more information, call Rick Zanutto at 661-331-7560.
How to apply
Honor Flight Kern County is currently accepting applications from U.S. veterans age 75 and older. For more information, visit online at honorflightkerncounty.org/applications.
— Claudia Elliott