Page 38 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2026 - Online Magazine
P. 38
Betty Smith
Flight of a Lifetime
In Her Own Words
f anyone had told me I would go While working on the benefit than I was his. During the few
on a Texas South Plains Honor shows, I always wondered what the times I “misplaced” Ronnie, all I
IFlight to Washington, D.C., I veterans experienced on the trips. I had to do was look around for a
would never have believed them. I wondered how the trips made them huddle of people. He was always
have always been a very patriotic feel. That was my favorite part busy making new friends, young
person, and I have always dreamed about going on the Honor Flight. and old, and taking pictures with
of visiting our national memorials I was able to see their reactions them. He was a friend to everyone
and museums, but I just never for myself. The veterans received on the trip, and he shared many
thought it would happen. Then on praise and recognition at every words of encouragement with all
April 11, 2026, I made that flight memorial and museum we went of us. Now I know I have another
of a lifetime with a number of our to, and, since most of the ones on friend for life.
local veterans. our trip were Vietnam veterans, we
witnessed them finally receiving Of the numerous places we visited,
The opportunity came as a result the recognition they deserved. After one of my favorites was the Marine
of fundraisers for our local Honor landing at each airport, hundreds Corps War Memorial, commonly
Flight through my “Sounds of of people greeted them with cheers known as the Iwo Jima Memorial. It
West Texas” events. We have and applause. For many veterans, is a massive bronze statue that gave
been performing “Tribute to Our they got the welcome home they me chill bumps because it looks
Military” shows since we started had been awaiting for so long. One
the Sounds of West Texas concert veteran stated that the trip did
series fifteen years ago. At first, more for him in those four days Ronnie Roberts and Betty Smith
I was not aware of the Honor than fifty years of therapy after
Flight fundraisers they did so that the Vietnam War was over. The
no veteran would have to pay veterans seemed to really connect
his or her way. Then, one of the with and enjoy one another, and
Honor Flight committee members new friendships were forged. That
approached Darryl Holland, owner was the experience I wanted to see.
of the Cactus Theater, and me
about possibly doing a fundraiser Serving as a guardian for the Honor
for them. It was not just a "yes" Flight was a wonderful experience.
but a resounding "YES!" from both I was a personal guardian for the
of us. We have loved doing these very energetic 80-year-old Ronnie
benefit shows since we started Roberts, although, in reality, he
doing them six years ago. seemed to be more my guardian
38 Lubbock Senior Link
