KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — 82 Vietnam era veterans from Southwest Michigan will be flying to Washington D.C. this weekend thanks to the hard work and efforts of a Kalamzoo teenager.
17-year-old Alice Kraatz has raised more than $140,000 to fund the first-ever Talons Out Honor Flight from Michigan specifically for Vietnam veterans.
Kraatz actually began raising the money at age 14 by selling bracelets with the names of Vietnam War service members missing in action or who became prisoners of war.
She proposed the idea for the trip while serving as the state president of the Children of the American Revolution from 2019 to 2020. Kraatz also put her ingenuity to work in raising even more money by collecting bottles and cans, asking for sponsorships, and getting other youth organizations involved.
And her hard and dedication has paid off.
Kraatz’s efforts raised enough to fully fund the C.A.R. Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight, scheduled to take off from Kalamazoo on Saturday, June 18. During the day long trip to the nation’s capitol, the veterans will attend a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. They will then visit several memorial sites, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the World War II Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial.
Once they arrive at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, they will receive Vietnam War commemorative pins during a ceremony.
Kraatz plans on being on the flight as well.
