After learning about Honor Flight in 2010, ALA National President Pam Ray took her father, a U.S. Army veteran, on a flight that truly impacted both of their lives. Ray has been a passionate advocate of Honor Flight’s mission since, and her genuine connection to Honor Flight inspired her to lead the national American Legion Auxiliary in sponsoring an all-female veteran Lone Eagle Honor Flight this month in April.
Slightly different than a traditional Honor Flight where veterans leave and arrive on the same plane, a Lone Eagle Honor Flight ensures all eligible veterans are able to participate in an Honor Flight experience, regardless of their geographic location. Veterans from across the country depart from their specific airport and fly into the same airport in the Washington, D.C. area to begin their momentous experience together.
Background on the collaboration
The American Legion Auxiliary and Honor Flight Inc. entered a formal partnership in 2021 to support their mission of celebrating America’s veterans by inviting them to partake in a special day of honor at our nation’s memorials and monuments in Washington, D.C. The official collaboration between our organizations allows ALA units and departments to directly donate funds that are generated from the distribution of our poppy.
ALA Poppy Funds can be used to support Honor Flights
With National Poppy Day® right around the corner (May 22 this year), here is your reminder that Honor Flight is one of the three major national mission outreach activities where ALA Poppy Funds can be used. First, money may be donated directly to Honor Flight hubs or to the Honor Flight Lone Eagle program. Second, funds may be used for any veteran and guardian items needed for a successful flight by donating directly to Honor Flight Inc. The last way to utilize Poppy Funds to support Honor Flight is by purchasing specific items that are needed. For more information about Poppy Funds and Honor Flight, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org/Poppy-Funds.
Stay updated on this all-female veteran Honor Flight through our social media
Make sure you’re connected to our social media accounts for updates on this historic ALA experience:
• Facebook: @ALAforVeterans
• Instagram: @ALAforVeterans
In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
