Brookfield-based Spring Bank was recently one of two major sponsors of Stars ad Stripes Honor Flight which helped nearly 225 WWII veterans visit the WWII memorial in Washington D.C.
Brookfield-based Spring Bank was recently one of two major sponsors of Stars and Stripes Honor Flight which helped nearly 225 WWII veterans visit the WWII memorial in Washington D.C. on Saturday, Nov. 5.
David Schuelke, president of Spring Bank, accompanied the soldiers on the trip.
“We were approached to be a sponsor and I, and the bank, jumped at the opportunity,” Schuelke said. “What an incredible thing. I can’t think of a more deserving group of individuals that deserve our support and recognition.”
Schuelke’s father was a WWII veteran and had the opportunity to take an honor flight before Spring Bank got involved, he said.
Veterans and the volunteer guardians left General Mitchell Airport at 5 a.m. in the morning. Once in Washington D.C., the veterans were able to visit the WWII Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery in addition to taking a bus tour throughout the city.
“It was a wonderful experience, a humbling experience and an overwhelming experience,” Schuelke said.
According to Schuelke, Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Wisconsin had a goal of raising $250,000 for this trip but well exceeded that number. Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Wisconsin took it’s inaugural flight in November, 2009. The organization has organized 12 flights since it’s inception and has helped more than 2800 veterans take flight.
A welcome home celebration at the airport was also planned for the veterans, Schuelke said.
“I was overwhelmed by the welcome home reception,” Schuelke said. “It was just an incredibly emotional experience.”
Scheulke plans to stay involved in the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. BizTimes media partner WISN Channel 12 in partnership with Kapco Metal Stamping is currently holding a Facebook campaign to raise funds for future Honor Flight veterans. For more information on that campaign you can click here.
“The real heroes are the Veterans,” Schuelke said. “They are so selfless and humble and they served because they wanted to. I spent the day amongst heroes and it was a privilege to be a part of it.”
