Cooperative effort has sent 128 veterans on trip of a lifetime

Barron Electric Cooperative, Federated Youth Foundation, and Co-Bank’s Sharing Success Program recently donated $15,000 to Never Forgotten Honor Flight.

Over the past four years, Barron Electric’s efforts raised more than $64,000, and 128 veterans had the opportunity to visit memorials in Washington, D.C.

“We are pleased to sponsor our Veterans on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight and show our appreciation of their service to our country,” said Aaron Torud, general manager of Barron Electric Cooperative.

Barron Electric member Jerry Severson was a member of the recent Never Forgotten Honor Flight Mission 47.

“Participating in the ‘Never Forgotten Honor Flight’ to Washington, D.C., was a moving, honorable experience as we received the honor and respect from our country for our service in Korea and Vietnam,” he said. “Arriving in D.C., over 200 people greeted and thanked us at Reagan Airport. This continued as students and citizens generously thanked us as we visited the WWII, the Korean and the Vietnam Memorials, plus the Air Force Memorial and Marine Memorial. We also witnessed the reverent ceremony of the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

“A grand surprise happened upon returning to Wausau Airport at 11:30 p.m.,” he said. “The airport was packed with students, adults, family, friends, bands and military units greeting us which was overwhelming and showed the respect and appreciation of our local communities and a grateful nation.”

Severson added, “It is with gratitude and thanks to Barron Electric for helping sponsor this Never Forgotten Honor Flight.”

Never Forgotten Honor Flight, a not-for-profit organization, consists of dedicated volunteers providing veterans with respect, gratitude and honor, by flying them free of charge to Washington, D.C., to visit their memorials. There are Barron Electric members on the Honor Flight waiting list, and Barron Electric looks forward to sponsoring them.

Veterans can complete an online application at neverforgottenhonorflight.com/application to sign up for the Honor Flight. For more information, call 715-573-8519.