Saturday, July 29, 2017

Organizers cancel 2017 Texas Panhandle Honor Flight due to funding challenges

BORGER, TEXAS -   There's a first time for everything. For the Texas Panhandle Honor Flight (TPHF) organization, that time has come as organizers announced the cancellation of their 2017 trip due to funding challenges. It's the first time in the organization's history the flight has been canceled according to TPHF officials.

TPHF President Don Ricks, a Vietnam veteran, said falling donations and higher costs lead to the decision. According to Ricks, 54 veterans applied for the September 2017 trip. On average an Honor Flight costs around $200,000, but this year's flight was expected to carry a $230,000 price tag.

Falling donations have also impacted TPHF efforts. Proceeds raised during the TPHF telethon in 2016 raised $61,000. This year's event raised just $20,000. The group plans a Saturday, September 16 reunion for the approximately 140 veterans who flew on the 2015 and 2016 Honor Flights.

The TPHF is a non-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifices of WWII, Korea and Vietnam veterans. Mail your support to: Texas Panhandle Honor Flight, PO Box 3218, Amarillo, TX 79116.

http://www.borgernewsherald.com

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