What started out as a mission to take World War Two veterans from southwest Michigan to see their national memorial in Washington is growing. It now includes veterans of the Korean War. The Talons Out Honor Flight takes vets to the nation’s capital free of charge. But like any non-profit, Talons Out runs on donations and volunteers. And the expansion means it needs more help.
At a small American Legion post a few miles south of Kalamazoo, bikers from across southwest Michigan made some noise on an early Sunday morning recently. More than 80 riders formed up for a 90-mile ride through several counties to raise money for the Talons Out Honor Flight program. It has taken veterans of World War Two from southwestern Michigan to Washington to see the national monument in their honor. Recently, the program expanded to include Korean War-era vets.
Talons Out Honor Flight Vice-President Dan Moyle, who rode with other motorcyclists says it’s been an incredible labor of love over the past three years.
“It’s something that takes a lot of time and work and passion, but pays off in spades when it comes to the faces of the veterans on honor flight day. The thank you’s that we get, and that we don’t expect or require - it’s a huge payoff.”
The Talons Out Honor Flight Ride Out was only one of many fundraisers held throughout the year. The tenth "mission" to Washington is set to depart September 10. Moyle says all the fundraising may take a lot of work but is going to help people who deserve recognition for the sacrifices they made decades ago.
"They did it without any kind of requirement for a thank you. They really didn’t get welcome parades or anything else. So over the course of the last 50, 60, or 70 years, they’ve just gone about their business and keep building our country the way they do.”
Getting each flight to Washington off the ground takes at least $94,000. The Talons Out Honor Flight raises the money by sponsoring motorcycle rides, golf outings, and other events. It also gets donations from companies and individuals. Moyle says 98 cents of every dollar raised is spent on the flights taking veterans to Washington.
Theresa Harcik has volunteered with the Talons Out program for a little over two years. She says the experience has been nothing short of wonderful.
“We don’t do enough for our service people, and so, it is an honor, an absolute honor for me to be a part of any event.”
Bikers Carl and Carrie Olgovee have more than three decades of combined service in the U.S. Air Force. Carrie says they wouldn’t have missed the fundraising ride for the world.
“I enjoy seeing all the veterans get a chance to go to the wall (in Washington). I have clients that have been veterans. And being a veteran myself, it holds a special spot in my heart.”
Carl agrees, "They gave us the ability to do what we are doing today, riding free, taking care of each other, and being a very integral part of our community.”
Past Talons Out fundraisers have also included raffles and 1940s-style hanger dances at the Kalamazoo Air zoo. But Dan Moyle says the Talons Out Committee gladly welcomes other ideas.
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