Each month we have a gathering to unite, confer and enjoy each other’s company. Our members really like to go out for lunch so we mix luncheons with other activities. We like to try new restaurants and revisit our old favorites as well as embark on some local outings for more fun.
Here's what's on tap for "Big Event's" the rest of 2023 so "Save the Dates:"
Thursday, August 24th, 2023: Colorado Chapter Summer BBQ at Cordera on the Grand Lawn, Colorado Spring, CO.
October 9-13, 2023: Colorado Chapter will be participating in SAFN National Convention to be held in Albuquerque, NM for the Balloon Fiesta celebration!
Saturday, November 4th, 2023: Walk with SAFN in the Colorado Springs Veterans Parade.
Sunday, December 3rd, 2023: Colorado Chapter Christmas Party at Cordera on the Grand Lawn, Colorado Springs, CO.
Saturday, December 16th, 2023: Laying of Wreaths at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, Colorado Springs, CO.
Colonel Patricia Chappell (Retired) Honor Flight Memories 20-22 April 2023
As a military retiree and current “Red Crosser,” I would like to share my phenomenal experience as a participant of an Honor Flight. As we “Red Crossers” know there is a special kindred with the military and the battlefield as evidenced by both Henri Dunant and Clara Barton. Swiss businessman, Henri Dunant who having observed neutral care of those wounded on the battlefield of Solferino, was involved in the creation of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies. And of course, Clara Barton’s involvement in the Civil War by assisting those wounded on the battlefield and providing supplies to military hospitals eventually was the founder of the American National Red Cross. Thus, it is my relationship to both the military and the Red Cross that I share this experience.
Honor Flight - Event #16 – 20-22 April 2023
Where do I begin? How do I begin? Should I be commenting as I do not quite feel deserving as my Vietnam compatriots who were actually “in country.” My participation in the Southern Colorado All Women’s Honor Flight was an experience of a lifetime. Though I was of the Vietnam era, I did not personally have “boots on the ground” or evacuation responsibilities of our wounded soldiers, nor did I experience the significant sadness of many upon their return to the US – many even having to take off their military uniforms prior to arriving stateside, this experience still brought many tears to my eyes. Cannot even imagine what those who were physically “in theater” were feeling and experiencing. Many tears all around. I as a veteran salute all of you!
Honor Flight network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to celebrate America’s veterans by inviting them to share in a day of honor at our nation’s memorials. Its vision is to promote a nation where all of America’s veterans experience the honor, gratitude, and community of support they deserve. To date Honor Flights have been provided to veterans of WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam
During our Honor Flights, we received official escorting from individuals representing many retiree military organizations such as American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, boy scouts, disaster response non-profits such as Team Rubicon (comprised primarily of prior military), dedicated caring citizens, etc. to our departure and arrival gates from our initial departure at the Colorado Springs Airport, to transfers at Midway in Chicago to final destination at Dulles airport in DC with thank you shout outs, flags, children's "My Heroes” posters and ”thank you for your service” posters from Southwest crew, handshakes from our pilots, ground crews, clapping and crying, We experienced the same type escorting and response upon our return landing at the Denver International Airport. On our last portion of our flight to Denver, everyone received a very large envelope, titled, “Mail Call” that contained cards of appreciation to the veteran. Cards were from boy scout troops, veterans, family and caring citizens from all over Colorado and even nationally. One veteran stated: It’s the best present I have ever received!” Upon arrival at the Sierra High School in Colorado Springs, following a police escort, we again had a great welcoming and by an all-female Honor Guard Drill Team (who by the way happened to be Air Force). An added special tribute was a grand welcoming from Lt General, DeAnna Burt, Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Operations, Cyber and Nuclear, United States Space Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, VA who presented each of us with an official Honors Flight plaque.
So, what did this Honor Flight mean to us? It enabled recognition that was so long overdue, to truly feel appreciated for their sacrifices and often horrendous experiences of war and to finally began a healing process that most had not acknowledged that they still needed, A watershed of tears was vividly visible - but they were tears of joy and healing,
Also, a thank you goes out to all our local Society of Air Force Nurses (SAFN) friends who not only supported us with thank you cards but expressed sentiments that we all deserved this honor. You are awesome! And special shout out to Kathy Peterson who linked the Society of Air Force Nurses, local chapter with the Honor Flight as well as being a guardian to one of our members. She also reached out to a local boy scout troop to let them know about the “mail call” and many submitted cards and letters. Additionally, her involvement with a local American Legion Post and assistance to veterans in facilitating benefits is also commendable. She indeed is a valued member of the SAFN!
