Episode 59: Chris Berkers Old Glory Honor Flight
Serving is something that runs in Chris Berkers' family. His father was in during the Bay of Pigs in the late 1950's, Chris himself served in the Navy from 1997 to 2002 and his daughter is currently in the National Guard.
Starting as a guardian for a World War II Veteran in the early days of Old Glory, Berkers was hooked and it wasn't long before he began taking on a more active roll that culminated into his current position as President. A dentist living in Appleton Wisconsin, Chris and I talk about how little it takes to say thank you and just how special the mission of Honor Flight is to our Veterans. With several groundbreaking trips, Old Glory has set itself apart from other branches across the country. Their Return To Pearl trip in 2011 (taking 19 WWII Veterans back to Pearl Harbor) and Return To Nam (taking 52 Vietnam Veterans back to Vietnam) in 2019 are among Berkers' favorites.
OGHF covers Northeastern Wisconsin and has always done things a little differently than other Honor Flights and I was able to experience flying with them out of Oshkosh and the EAA AirVenture in July. Travelling with 99 Vietnam Veterans as part of a Yellow Ribbon Flight, it was an unforgettable day for everyone fortunate enough to be a part of it. Recognizing the need to come along our GWOT (Global War On Terrorism) Veterans, plans are in the works for an event with them in the near future as well.
Like everyone that I have worked with in the Honor Flight family the past seven years, Chris Berkers has a contagious energy about him and lives and breathes all things Honor Flight. It's that passion that enables this amazing organization to deliver an experience of a lifetime to our Veterans and their families, showing them the recognition and gratitude that they so deserve.
Personally, I am excited to be a small part of the Old Glory Honor Flight family, to call Chris a friend and to see what the future holds for this amazing organization. You can find Chris on Facebook, follow Old Glory there and on Instagram or visit www.oldgloryhonorflight.org
For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org
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