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Sister devote time to helping veterans
This story originally appeared in the June edition of The 812 Magazine. Subscribe by clicking here.
(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – While elementary students stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, not many make a consistent effort to honor the brave men and women who protect our country.
Tessa Ziegler is a sixth grader and her sister, Raya is a second grader at Harrison Elementary.
Along with their mother, Rachel, they went to the homecoming ceremony for an Honor Flight at CVG Airport about five years ago.
Honor Flights provide free trips for veterans who are 65 or older to visit memorials in Washington, D.C.
After going the first time, the girls have not missed an Honor Flight homecoming at the airport since.
“The girls have cards that they hand out and they thank all the veterans,” their mother said.
Tessa added, “I once met a woman World War II veteran and didn’t need a walker or wheelchair at any time during the trip!”
What the sisters are doing go far beyond thank you cards.
They have collected their toys and clothes and held yard sales at their home. All the proceeds going to the Honor Flight.
The girls also set up a booth at events like the Dearborn County Home & Garden Show and Aurora’s Rockin on the River festival. During the events, they sell raffle tickets, make brownies and cookies and collect money for the Honor Flights.
Their mom works at O’ Charley’s in Harrison and the girls go to the restaurant with Rachel every Veteran’s Day for the past few years.
“Over the past three years they have raised over $1,000 every Veterans Day while fundraising at the restaurant,” Rachel said.
Altogether, the young sisters have raised more than $20,000 for the Honor Flight over the past few years.
I asked Tessa why this initiative is so important to her. Her answer: Because of her Great-Grandpa.
Their great-grandfather, Emmett Baker, served in the 6th Armored Division during World War II under General George Patton. His group was involved in the Battle of the Bulge and was also responsible for liberating the Buchenwald concentration camp in April of 1945.
The girls never met Emmett but know several things about his time in the war. Raya says he was a tank specialist and Tessa knows that he earned a Silver Star.
Because of their great-grandfather, they are honored anytime they have a chance to meet someone who served in World War II.
“I love it, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Tessa said.
These two girls are an example that the younger generation truly does support veterans and appreciate the service of those who came before them.
The girl’s also have another initiative that they do without hesitation.
Anytime they see someone wearing a veteran’s hat or shirt, the girls approach that person and thank them for their service.
“It doesn’t matter where we are at, whether a restaurant or out in public, if they see a hat that says veteran, the girls just naturally go up and thank them,” Rachel said.
