Operation Education’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom. The program coordinates a variety of community events to educate and inspire the public about the service and sacrifice of our senior war veterans and the power of gratitude and respect.
Operation Education Fundraising
Hosting a fundraising event for Honor Flight Chicago is just one of the many ways schools can support veterans in their community. Every dollar collected by a student is an expression of gratitude for the service of a veteran. Every dollar donated makes it possible for a veteran to experience their day of honor in Washington DC.
Operation Education has had the HONOR of working with many schools on their fundraising events. We THANK the students and staff for their dedication and generosity. We hope these past stories INSPIRE your school to host a fundraising event of your own. We look forward to sharing your story in the future.
Operation Education Flight
Honor Flight Chicago designated its 103rd Flight in July of 2022 as its Operation Education flight. The flight honored 115 veterans (2 WWII, 4 Korean War, and 105 Vietnam War) for their service while also celebrating the efforts of students, educators and volunteers to connect with our senior war heroes and further the mission of Honor Flight Chicago. Thirteen teachers and students served as Guardians on the flight. They represented our Operation Education Core Team and the graduating seniors from Operation CLIMB, our high school support team
We had student interns from the Navy Memorial work tirelessly in Washington, D.C., to ensure a successful trip. The Welcome home at Midway included a student soloist for the National anthem, a slide show of student art, a team of Operation CLIMB students, and both NJROTC and SeaScouts escorting the veterans through the parade route.
We thank our teachers and students for their work in honoring veterans year round, and especially in ensuring our veterans had a life-changing day of honor, thanks, and inspiration. Although we will not have an Operation Education branded flight every year, we do look forward to inviting selected teachers and graduating seniors to fly as guardians in our upcoming seasons.
Operation Education 5K
The Operation Education 5k began in 2021 as a student-led initiative to raise funds for the Honor Flight Chicago mission. The first year saw over one hundred supporters coming to Morton Grove High School in late October with even more participating virtually.
Operation Education kicked off its 2022 fundraising efforts in early October with the 5k Run at Morton College. We offered several other opportunities to participate leading up to Veterans Day including a virtual option allowing even more people to support our fundraising efforts.
In addition, Operation Education created an opportunity for individual schools to host their own Fun Runs in support of Honor Flight Chicago. Operation Education provided the registration format, t-shirts, swag bags, and a limited edition challenge coin. Four schools raised enough funds to receive a Guardian School status and received a banner to show off their dedication to supporting veterans and Honor Flight Chicago.
If you are interested in getting your school involved send us an email at oped@honorflightchicago.org or click below to fill out a registration form.
Elmhurst University and the Veteran Services Department hosted the Inaugural Bluejay 5k in 2024.
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Direct Burial Ceremony
The Honor Flight Chicago Operation Education Team was honored at a Direct Burial Ceremony at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Accompanying them were students and staff from Hickory Creek Middle School who were recognized for their continued support of Veterans and Honor Flight Chicago. They also received a guided tour of the cemetery and got to see the grounds and learn about some of the operations.
A Direct Burial Ceremony honors those veterans that were buried at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery without receiving military honors due to an inability to receive permission from relatives. This service is open to the public and held 4 times a year. If you would like to attend please check the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Squad website for dates and times. The Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad performs military honors which includes: three rifle volleys, playing of TAPS, folding and presentation of the American Flag to a member of the community. A prayer is read by the Memorial Squad Chaplain and the service is concluded.
