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When many veterans gave up hope of ever visiting the
World War II memorial that was specifically created to honor their services in
Washington, D.C., Kelsey Schultz wanted to give them hope. As soon as he became
a member of the AJGA, he began fundraising for Honor Flight through the AJGA Leadership Links program. Honor Flight,
a non-profit organization works to fly World War II veterans to see the memorial
in Washington, D.C. Schultz has been involved with Honor Flight since the sixth
grade. On Friday, May 18, he and 12 other members of the Upper Arlington High
School golf team will participate in Honor Flight Golf-a-Thon.
The Honor Flight Golf-a-Thon raises money for Honor
Flight through donations and pledges made on eagles, birdies and pars
throughout 18 holes of golf. The money gathered through the event will send
multiple World War II veterans to see the memorial that honors their services
as well as the services of their fellow comrades who made the ultimate
sacrifice. The Honor Flight Golf-a-Thon raised just over $11,000 in the previous
two years combined.
“To see the look on their faces when they arrived not
only at their WWII memorial, but other memorials as well they’re priceless,”
Schultz said. “I will never forget that experience and hope to go on many
future flights to do it all over again.”
Schultz went on his first flight with his father as an
eighth grader and spent time getting to know the veterans. In his first year he
flew with 20 World War II veterans from his hometown of Columbus, Ohio, to
Washington, D.C.
“Those who don’t know about Honor Flight are impacted the
most and always have smiles on their faces once I tell them about the
organization. They are very willing to give donations,” Schultz said. “The fact
that this money is going to a great cause brings me much joy and happiness.”
A rising senior, Schultz is a three-year member of the
Leadership Links program and sent 25 World War II veterans to see their
memorial in 2011raising a total of $4,105. “The involvement with Leadership
Links and my fundraiser will prepare me for leadership roles in the work force
when I get out of college,” Schultz said. “There is so much responsibility
taking on this fundraiser. I know I can take on big roles in the future and
finish successfully.”
For more information about Kelsey Schultz and the Honor Flight
Golf-a-Thon please visit:
https://www.ajga.org/PIF/HomePages/indexHolesNew.asp?UID=111169
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