It seems like yesterday the plans for the first event were being put together and now here we are on number six.  A lot of propane has gone through the burners, but what a ride it has been.  The date this year is the last weekend of July. The fly spot is the same as in the past... a few miles west of Wilkerson Pass off Highway 24.

This year’s CoHF is a reflection of the last with breakfast supplied by our friends at Golden Corral, doughnuts supplied by Lobacks Bakery and milk by Sinton Dairy.  Propane for participating pilots is of course also part of the package. 

ALL pilots and crew are invited to join the fun, be you a member of AAAA, BSOPP, CBC  or an independent.  Affiliation with an organization is not a necessity to say “thanks” to our troops.  As it has been promoted since the beginning, the Celebration of Honor Fly is without politics or pros and cons of armed conflict.  These men and women have served our country, and gratitude is the foundation of the event. Please share the invitation to any pilot or crew who you think would like to come. The more the merrier.

Volunteers are requested at all levels of the CoHF.  The daily put-up and take-down of equipment will require lots of help.  Getting the soldiers checked in and together with pilots is a daunting task which takes time and patience because the arrival of the honorees comes as a flood.  Personnel to keep an eye on the coffee and doughnuts would be good.

As usual, a major need is for funds to pay for the propane, printing, postage and port-a-potty bills. Oh yes, coffee, hot chocolate, and sodas, too.  Any readers with connections to groups such as churches, clubs and organizations, or individuals that would be willing help finance what is being offered our troops, please contact Jackie Peterson, event organizer/coordinator, at 719/634-5012 or '2ndpete (at) comcast.net' or Balloonmeister Stephen at 719/338-1367 or 'rmhal (at) juno.com'

We thank, again, Jackie and Dave Charbonnel for the love, caring and massive amount of time and energy spent to make the event happen in its early years.

So here we go ladies and gentlemen.  The plan is on.  Please come be part of the Celebration of Honor Fly as a pilot, crew member and/or volunteer.  You are the event.  The e-mails and phones are open.  Pilots and crew, please let us know you are with us.  Volunteers, tell us where you want your involvement to be.  We look forward to hearing from all and thank you for your continued and new participation.

Please send an e-mail to '2ndpete (at) comcast.net' and let me know you are coming so there will be enough food and soldiers for all.