June 17th, 2021
To Our Honor Flight Columbus Partners:
On behalf of the Honor Flight Columbus Board, I am writing to our many valued partners about two important items as we prepare to return to our mission of flying veterans this year.
The Honor Flight Network and all of our necessary supporting agencies and providers have announced their respective support and availability so that we can recommence our flights this August. Attached is the 2021 schedule of flights/sponsors. This schedule is also posted on the Honor Flight Columbus website.
Our Executive Director, Pete MacKenzie, will soon be providing additional detailed communication/training about our flights and the necessary health and safety protocols. Pete’s communications will note that all 2021 flight participants will be affirming that they have received the COVID 19 vaccine. Our flights will include the use of masks during transportation periods and Honor Flight Columbus staff and volunteers will also be following enhanced cleaning and safety practices.
Also, as announced during the first week of May, Pete will be retiring later this year. As most of you know, Pete has served as Executive Director since 2018.
The Board is deeply grateful for Pete’s dedication and commitment to Honor Flight Columbus and the veterans we serve. Pete’s exceptional leadership paved the way for the design and implementation of many dynamic improvements to our flight program. Most importantly, his vision and tireless work helped Honor Flight Columbus fly over 1600 World War II, Korea and Viet Nam veterans to visit their memorials in Washington, D.C. during his tenure.
While we will certainly miss our friend and leader, we are looking forward to the next exciting chapter in our collective story. The Board has begun a wide-ranging search for a new Executive Director. Many talented and energetic candidates have already been identified and the Board will thoroughly review all of these potential leaders (If you are interested in the position, it is posted on the Honor Flight Columbus LinkedIn site). We are very fortunate that Pete will see us through this transition. His continuing leadership and the always outstanding support of all of you will ensure that Honor Flight’s service to our veterans is a seamless success in 2021 and beyond.
The Board is thankful for, and humbled by, the remarkable dedication that all of you show to our veterans. Quite simply, it would be impossible to fulfill the mission of Honor Flight Columbus without our guardians, volunteers and flight sponsors. With your partnership we look forward to the continued growth and success of our organization for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Horner, III (Bob)
Board Chairman, Honor Flight Columbus
