The Los Banos Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter members attended the recent Honor Flight homecoming. FFA members welcomed home countless veterans, who were returning from service, after they landed at the Fresno airport.
This tradition began in 2016 during the chapter’s annual leadership trip to the nation’s capital. While visiting the United States Navy Memorial, students witnessed an Honor Flight return.
After this experience, Jason Bretz, Jim Orr and Don Baker decided the chapter should take responsibility for supporting veterans’ trips.
In 2017, the chapter hosted its first pasta drive-thru dinner, raising $20,000 to help veterans visit the memorials built in their honor. Since then, the event has become an annual tradition, except for 2021, when it was paused due to COVID-19. The event has raised at least $20,000 each year.
In 2020, the chapter extended its outreach by donating $2,000 to the Blue Star Moms, an organization supporting active-duty service members. Without their sacrifices, this country would not be safe.
This contribution has grown, and to date, at the last pasta dinner on March 10, the chapter has raised $180,000 for the Honor Flight and donated $10,000 to Blue Star Moms.
The chapter’s ongoing support ensures the veterans are honored, appreciated and remembered. This mission is more than just a fundraiser: it’s a tribute to those who sacrificed so much for our freedom.
