An Amazing Send Off. Honor Flight Connecticut for Very Special Veterans.

GBGs Donna, Michelle, Arlene, Johanna, Angie

Early one morning the Give Back Girls rolled out of bed and headed to Bradley Airport in Hartford, CT for a very special send off. The Honor Flight of Connecticut was taking off with a sea of service men that served during WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam War.

Five GBGs had the pleasure of holding up the beautiful signs that GBG Colleen’s Daughter, Sarah, made for us. Michelle and Donna got to the airport first. Angie, Johanna, and I flew out of the Jeep and ran across the parking garage to the building, just as the busses of veterans pulled up! (We missed the parade of motorcycles that preceded the busses). The veterans were greeted with a fanfare of music, applause, and gratitude that was long overdue. You see, when these brave men came home from serving and protecting, there was no ticker-tape parade for them. They were expected to get off the plane or bus and melt back into society as if the war, the loss and the weight of it all never happened. It was time.

There was a military band playing, and a color guard presenting the colors (flags) with all the pomp & circumstance that these brave men and women deserved. Each veteran came through the doors with enough time to take in the grand cheer of the crowd’s gratitude. Some Veterans walked in on their own, while others arrived in wheelchairs. They all were emotionally overwhelmed with the appreciation for their service. Tears, hugs, and salutes were among the beautiful gestures shared. Families gathered around with love and pride for their service member.

The Give Back Girls were part of the cheer crowd. Who knew so much joy could be felt as we shared our positive energy with others.

Being the short GBG, I squatted in front of the others with my sign as a man stopped directly in front of me. Normally, I would have stepped aside, but there was no where for me to go. So I gently tapped on his leg and asked if he would mind scooching over a few inches. He said he was moving anyway. I turned to catch the other GBGs looking at me with strange looks. Then Michelle said, “Arlene! That was Gil, Gil Simmons!” Whoops! Sorry Gil. Leave it to me. So yes, Gil was taking the flight and he later shared a powerful speech with the Veterans.

This event was one to repeat for sure. Anyone can be part of the cheer crowd! So visit the honor flight site or our site for more information and join us next year.

We learned about another organization that honors veterans in a lovely way, through the belly!!! What better way to share love than with food. It is called Mission BBQ, a franchise with CT locations in Southington and Orange. This company has donated millions to veteran organizations. Their food trucks are quite the site to see rolling down the road. Check them out.

After this experience, we were filled with a great appreciation for those who have volunteered to keep us safe and protect our freedoms.

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