Latest news with #PermianBasinHonorFlight
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Permian Basin Veterans Honored in D.C.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) —Nearly 100 West Texas veterans recently traveled to Washington, D.C., on a three-day journey to visit the memorials built in their honor — a trip filled with reflection, remembrance and healing, made possible by the nonprofit Permian Basin Honor Flight. The organization, based in West Texas, provides all-expenses-paid trips to Washington for local veterans to see the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, and other sites of national significance. Veterans visited a total of 14 memorials and museums over the course of the trip. Wesley Smith, who took over as flight director in 2023, said the program's goal is simple: to give these heroes the recognition and gratitude they deserve while there's still time. 'The Honor Flight is for us to bring those war heroes to this memorial, to the Korean Memorial, to the Vietnam Memorial before it's too late — to honor them and serve them and show them the respect that they so deserve, and to show them the world is changing,' Smith said. 'It's not going to be the same world these Vietnam vets came home to. And to show the Korean War vets they're never going to be forgotten. The history books tell them it's the 'forgotten war,' but it's not…' Smith has been involved with the Honor Flight team since 2015 and served as board president from 2018 to 2019. 'absolutely love getting to lead men and women heroes to care for them and honor them with the upmost respect that they deserve,' he said. The trip is made possible entirely through community fundraising and sponsorships. Each veteran's flight, lodging, meals, and transportation cost about $2,000 — none of which is charged to the veteran. 'So we have to raise that money all year long or these vets don't get to come up here,' Smith said. 'The last thing we want to do is say, 'Hey, you've been selected for a beautiful trip, but you owe us money.' And we're not going to do that. So it takes a community — it takes all community efforts to bring this together and make this happen The emotional impact of the trip was evident in conversations with veterans and their guardians. 'Going through this and being out here and how therapeutic it is — and getting to kinda rehash some of the things and let some of the emotions out that maybe you've held up a long time — is great,' said Danny Davis of Midland, who volunteered as a guardian for the trip. 'To the workers, I would say thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm so grateful I was chosen for this flight, and I've enjoyed it,' said Trinand, a Vietnam veteran on the trip. 'The personnel, the people — our friends. They are my friends. We're brothers because of the war, but now we're friends because we have met.' For some, the visit to the memorials brought back powerful memories — and a sense of closure. 'I would suggest that they all come here and visit the memorials,' said Vietnam veteran William Tolbert. 'I'm thoroughly enjoying it, and I wouldn't want to come here in the summertime, but it's really impressive.' 'Oh man, this trip has been awesome — just honoring our vets that set the pace for us, you know, led the way,' said Army veteran Manuel Payan. 'It's an honor just to be around them. And it's great to just make new friends, especially with people like that that served.' In addition to moments of solemn reflection, the trip also included time for connection and celebration — from dancing to storytelling — as veterans connected and made new memories together. The Permian Basin Honor Flight continues its mission through year-round fundraising to ensure future generations of veterans receive the honor and healing they've earned. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Scharbauer Foundation awards more than $9 million in grants to support nonprofits in Midland
May 23—MIDLAND — Scharbauer Foundation has announced its most recent round of funding as part of its spring grant cycle. The Foundation recently awarded more than $9 million in support of Midland area nonprofits that work to meet significant needs in the community. "Each of these organizations represents a cornerstone of our community, and we are proud to support their missions through this most recent round of funding," Mary Ann Beninati, CEO and President of the Scharbauer Foundation, said in a news release. "Whether it's expanding access to education, ensuring quality healthcare for children, or addressing critical social needs, these grants reflect our commitment to strengthening Midland through strategic, impactful philanthropy." Highlights of the grant cycle: Education: — Communities in Schools of the Permian Basin — to continue providing dropout prevention and mental health resources at campuses in Midland and Odessa. — IDEA Public Schools of the Permian Basin — for the development and construction of IDEA Henry in Midland. — Junior Achievement of the Permian Basin — to support financial literacy programs and curriculum for K-12 students. — Midland College Foundation — to support Early College High School for the 2025- 2026 academic year. — Hispanic Cultural Center of Midland — to preserve Hispanic culture for youth through arts and education. Healthcare: — Cooks Children's Midland Specialty Clinic — for the purchase of specialized medical equipment to serve Midland children. — Starlight Therapeutic Riding Center — to continue providing equine-assisted activities for children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities and behavioral health needs. Public Benefit: — Manor Park — to support the capital campaign to reconfigure the campus and renovate common buildings. — Permian Basin Honor Flight — for expenses related to the 2025 October trip to Washington, D.C., for local military veterans. Human Services: — Basin Dream Center for Orphans — for renovations to expand capacity at its new property. — Recording Library of West Texas — to continue providing audio resources for individuals with visual, physical, or learning impairments. — West Texas Regional Office of Make-A-Wish North TX — to serve children with critical illnesses in Midland. Learn more about Scharbauer Foundation's focus areas, upcoming grant cycles, and application process at
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Veterans Honored on Emotional Journey to Washington, D.C.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) —The mission of the Permian Basin Honor Flight is simple—but powerful: to transport local veterans to Washington, D.C., so they can visit the memorials built in their honor. Since launching its first mission in 2014, the Honor Flight has continued to grow—not only in the number of veterans honored, but also in the dedicated community of volunteers and supporters who make each journey possible. The Permian Basin Honor Flight currently serves veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War eras. This year's three-day trip—its 12th mission—welcomed nearly 100 veterans, including those who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars, along with three Gold Star families who traveled in honor of loved ones lost in service. The entire experience is provided at no cost to the veterans. Thanks to generous sponsorships and donations from individuals, businesses, and community organizations across the Permian Basin. The Honor Flight is powered entirely by volunteers—from flight guardians and medics to organizers and support staff. At Midland International Airport, the day began early, but with no shortage of energy. Bagpipes echoed through the terminal as law enforcement officers lined the boarding area, saluting and sending off the veterans with pride. Once in the air, a beloved tradition known as Mail Call brought emotion and smiles. Instead of letters from home, each veteran received a bundle of handwritten cards, colorful drawings, and heartfelt notes from local schoolchildren, expressing gratitude, encouragement, and thanks. Upon arrival at Dulles International Airport, the veterans were greeted by applause and cheers. Strangers waved flags and lined the terminal, welcoming them with two simple but powerful words: 'Thank you.' Over the following days, the group visited several of the nation's most sacred memorials. Bagpipes set the tone as they marched solemnly through the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. At each site, veterans paused in quiet reflection—some grieving, others sketching names etched into stone. Among the moving moments was a special recognition at the Korean War Memorial. William H. Tolbert, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1950 to 1953, was awarded the Ambassador for Peace Medal from the Republic of Korea. 'I joined the Marine Corps in 1950, and I wanted to serve there because they were always my heroes,' Tolbert said. He was visibly moved as he accepted the honor. 'I feel elated. I didn't expect it at all. It was a surprise,' he said. Reflecting on his Honor Flight experience, Tolbert added: 'A good friend of mine made it last year and he said it's a real experience—and I totally agree with him. Good people. Everybody wishing me… you know, thanking me for my service… Making me feel real important for a change. I think this is a great deal that they do.' For more information or to support the mission, visit Continued coverage of the Permian Basin Honor Flight will be provided throughout the week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
