On Saturday, April 29th, the Asheville Regional Airport was a sea of red, white and blue.
Members of the T.C. Roberson High School JROTC, staff from Haw Creek Elementary, and students from both Fairview Elementary (FES) and Cane Creek Middle School welcomed the veterans from the Blue Ridge Honor Flight (BRHF) as they arrived home. Cheers echoed in the hangar as veterans made their way off the plane. FES played a unique role in this specific honor flight.
“Our fourth graders decided to raise money to sponsor a veteran for the honor flight,” said Assistant Principal Christen Davidson. “Fairview raised enough money to sponsor three veterans. In addition to this, the fourth grade students wrote letters to the veterans that they were able to read on their flight home, and we made posters to use as part of the welcoming party.”
One particular student and his family were able to sponsor a veteran on their own. John Leifeit’s family said this holds a special place in their hearts.
“My uncle fought in the Vietnam War and died before I was born,” said Leanne Leifheit. “ This opportunity gives us a chance to honor him by honoring another veteran. I am so grateful that such a wonderful organization like BRHF exists. It’s always important to let people know that they matter.”
At FES, students and staff are always looking for ways to give back to the community that gives so much to them. Mrs. Davidson said this was the perfect learning opportunity for the fourth grade students.
“I knew fourth grade taught two units of study that would align with the honor flight,” she explained. “Those units are ‘A Great Heart’ and ‘Survival.’ I reached out to those teachers to see if they wanted to be a part of this, and they enthusiastically said yes! We think it is important for students to see the impact they have both inside their community and in the world around them, and this was the perfect opportunity to give back to veterans who never received a proper welcome home.”
This was the first year FES has sponsored veterans, but they hope to give back to their community again.
“After this experience, I definitely think this is something that we will continue to do,” Mrs. Davidson said. “I would like to partner up with the Reynolds HS JROTC next year in the fall so that both of our schools are there at the same time.”
