By Bobbi Lasher, EAA 578483
On May 13, four pilots from EAA Chapter 724 in Merritt Island, Florida, flew nine very special Young Eagles. These kids are all from Gold Star Families. Gold Star Families are the families of military members or police who were killed or disabled in the line of duty. This was truly an honor for the pilots, as shown by their words below.
From Scott:
The thing that struck me was how the Gold Star families immediately bonded — there were folks from Merritt Island all the way to Jacksonville and they easily fell into conversations about their loved one who was lost and the resources available to help through tough times. One mom with three kids is very involved in ensuring Gold Star families are acknowledged and that kids are able to experience things that keep them motivated — a first flight was a great way to intro these kids to flying and help recognize their unique challenge. These particular kids were in need of some teaching and mentoring beyond what she should give and that their dad would have provided so getting out in active situations where they experience new things was important. While all Young Eagles events are impactful, we all walked away from this one with a little extra spring in our step.
From Tom:
I flew a 16-year-old girl and her 17-year-old brother. It was the first flight EVER for both of them in an airplane and they loved it. I told them when we were taxiing back after landing that it was a true honor to be the pilot to provide them their first flight ever. I think I enjoyed the flight just as much as they did. We often take for granted that “everyone has flown before” but that isn’t true. It was nice to be able to do this for them.
If your EAA chapter would like to honor these special kids, reach out to one of your local veterans organizations to find out how to reach out to the Gold Star Families in your area.
Learn more about Gold Star Families and how you can let them know that you honor and care about them.