Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC) escorted 28 veterans on the 21st Brookshire Grocery Company Heroes Flight to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in their honor.
BGC provided the all-expense-paid trip to honor them for their service and sacrifices. The flight included veterans who served during the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, War in Afghanistan and War in Iraq.
After a send-off Oct. 20, the group flew to Washington, D.C., with American Airlines, a partner and contributor to the annual trip. Upon arrival, the veterans and guardians toured the U.S. Capitol, with a private tour hosted by Congressman Nathaniel Moran.
The day continued with stops at the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial and the National Native American Veterans Memorial.
On Oct. 21, the veterans visited the Air Force Memorial and the Women in Military Service Memorial, along with Arlington National Cemetery, where they watched the Changing of the Guard.
Four of the veterans had the honor of laying a wreath at the tomb. The group also visited the Marines, World War II, Franklin Delanor Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr., Korean, Lincoln and Vietnam memorials.
The evening concluded with dinner and a mail call. Each veteran received letters from schoolchildren throughout East Texas and Oklahoma.
The final day, Oct. 22, concluded with a visit to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate. When they arrived home at Tulsa International Airport and Tyler Pounds Airport, they were greeted by loved ones and community members.
“We feel very honored as a company that we were able to take these national heroes to Washington, D.C., and allow them the opportunity to visit the memorials that were built in their honor,” said Brad Brookshire, chairman and CEO of Brookshire Grocery Co.
“One of our community pillars is to give back to the brave men and women who have given so much to our country, and providing this trip allows us to show our appreciation in a meaningful way. We had veterans representing multiple conflicts that got to share this experience together, and we look forward to future Heroes Flights and the opportunity to continue honoring our local heroes.”
The BGC Heroes Flight was established in 2010. To date, nearly 600 veterans have made the trip to the nation’s capital.
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