Don Young's Honor Flight

As many of you know, Don Young served as Garfield Park UCC's Youth Minister for many years and is also a Vietnam War Veteran. I nominated Don Young to attend an Indy Honor Flight nearly five years ago. (https://indyhonorflight.org/) Out of the blue a few weeks ago, we both got calls that it's now time for him to attend this Honor Flight! This means that both Don and I (serving as his guardian) will go to Washington D.C. for the day (on April 16th) with 85 other veterans and their guardians. I knew this event would be special since he has never visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C.

The Honor Flight is free of charge to Don. However, allow me to explain my reasoning for setting up a GoFundMe. When I spoke with Don last week, he mentioned he would drive up (an 18+ hour drive) and stay at a friend's house before the flight out of Indianapolis with the Indy Honor Flight. He mentioned that he would like to stay in Indy for about a week before heading back to Florida, where he currently resides. In my mind, I kept thinking that it would be fantastic if somehow I could get him a flight, hotel, and rental car since this weekend is all about him and his service to our country. I asked him if he would be willing to fly and stay in a hotel if I could make it happen. He replied, "Oh, don't make a fuss over me. But yes, I will humbly accept." I just didn't disclose how I would make it all happen. I tried calling multiple veteran organizations to see if they could help me with this request. Long story short- at this time, the answer is no. So then I thought about all his youth "kids" and church family and how he has touched the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, over the years.

So here is my ask- would you like to help financially make the flight, hotel, and car rental (all for a week--plus extra spending money for any souvenirs in D.C./food and gas while in Indy) possible? If not, no worries! I will take care of all the logistics of setting everything up; I just need the financial assistance to make the flight, hotel, and rental car happen! And you have my word that none of the money will go to me. I will ensure that 100% of the donations will go to Don. (I am also happy to provide you with the contact information of the individual both Don and I have been in contact with concerning the Indy Honor Flight.) If you have any questions, please let me know!

And lastly- PLEASE DO NOT SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH DON!

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Shauna Hockett (Darland)