A long-time Dodgeville resident, Jeff Ladd, generously donated $100,000 to the Badger Honor Flight and his gift alone will send approximately 90 veterans to Washington D.C.
“We enjoy our freedom because of these hero’s. This is my way of saying thank you,” Ladd said when asked about the $100,000 donation. Badger Flight Chairperson Brian Zielger, who began as a volunteer in 2009 and is a 2003 Operation Iraqi Freedom Veteran said, “Badger Honor Flight is extremely grateful for Jeff Ladd’s generous gift. His gift will enable us to take a flight of Veterans to take “Their Trip of a Lifetime!”
As long as you’ve put the uniform on one day, from December 7th, 1945, through March of 1975, no matter what branch of service, no matter the component, active, reservist, National Guard, and no matter where you served, you’re eligible to fly with Badger Honor Flight. Soon, nationally the Persian War (Iraq) Veterans will be eligible as a new memorial is currently being built near the Vietnam Memorial.
Mission 64 took place on Saturday, April 18. Mission 65 and 66 are scheduled for May. It costs $110,000 for each flight to Washington D.C.
“I’d like to thank Mr. Ladd for his generous donation to Badger Honor Flight,” said Badger Honor Flight Treasurer Edward Brown. “The contribution will make it possible for us to transport America’s Veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. Each of our flights have been a huge success. Badger Honor Flight has now flown over 5,500 Veterans to visit their memorials. We currently have approximately 600 Veterans on our waiting list.”
Badger Honor Flight, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) federal nonprofit with the IRS which means any charitable donations are tax-deductible. Donations may be made by mail or online at badgerhonorflight.org/donate.