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Lessening the burden of injured military personnel and their families was the mission of this past weekend’s first annual Salute to Veterans fundraiser event at Ellington Field.
Dozens of area residents turned out to support the members of the US armed forces who have returned injured or wounded from their respective deployments. The Helping a Hero foundation was the recipient of the funds raised by this important event at Houston’s oldest airport.
Helping a Hero is a local nonprofit organization that provides financial support and assistance to injured military personnel and their families.
“We are very pleased to have the community out here with us today; thanking our men and women in uniform,” said Brian Rinehart, airport manager for Ellington Field. “With the continued development of our airport we are going to see an increased military presence in the future. We want them to know that they are welcome here and that we appreciate what they do.”
Among the military operations currently sheltered at Ellington Field are the Texas Army National Guard, the Texas Air National Guard, the US Coast Guard Air Station Houston, and the US Army Reserves. Each had a presence at the celebration in both machinery and personnel.
The US Coast Guard and the Texas Air National Guard both had aircraft on display; while the Texas Army National Guard had military vehicles in operation throughout the event.
Attendees at the celebration expressed their gratitude for the members of the armed forces by participating in silent auctions and gift drawings, as well as by paying the $10 entry fee for adults, and $5 entry fee for children. Live music, food and children’s activities were also part of the event.
Staff Sgt. David Castillo, of the Texas Air National Guard, just returned from his second deployment to Iraq in August of 2007 and classified the community support as important for the morale of soldiers like himself. |
