Prairie View's Honor Flight program recognized, family makes annual donation

Capt. Laura Steenbergen presents a U.S. Flag to PVHS Honor Flight sponsor Aaron Law, from left, and program "guardians" Abigail Alvarez, Jercey VanDyke, Cecillia Brockway, and Mia Covell. (Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

Journal staff report

Army Reserve Capt. Laura Steenbergen presented a commemorative U.S. Flag to students from Prairie View High School's Honor Flight program on Tuesday, Feb. 17, following the girls basketball game.

The flag, folded military style and encased in a triangular display case, was flown over the Red Sea during a fighter refueling mission by the 384th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron last September.

It was the second time since the winter break that Honor Flight students – called "guardians "because they assist and care for veterans who qualify for the two-day trip to Washington, D.C.– have been recognized during game night.

The group also received a sizable donation from the families of the late Ralph Nickell, an Air Force veteran, and the late Karen Kennedy in January. The Nickell family, which sponsors a roping event annually, has donated proceeds from the concession stand to the Honor Flight program since it began more than three years ago.

At the Honor Flight donation ceremony in January, family members Sarah Ball and Chrissy Byerley, from left; guardians Abby Alvarez, Mia Covell, Brilee Schrum, Cecilia Brockway, and Jercey VanDyke; and family members Wendy Kinder and David Davison took part. (Submitted photo)