Charitable Flights for Veteran Helps Her Find Connection
Lost Connection
Kelly, a Veteran from Washington State, is used to teamwork and connection from her time in the military. However, when she entered civilian life, that connection disappeared. This isolation from a support network only got worse when she was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress (PTS).
“I had little contact with female Veterans,” said Kelly. “And I couldn’t talk to my civilian friends about what happened. I knew they wouldn’t understand. “So I suffered in silence for decades.”
Potential for New Beginnings
At a critical point, Kelly found out about The Warrior Connection. This organization helps Veterans like Kelly learn healthy coping skills, as well as offer connection that Veterans often lack.
“I was offered an opportunity to attend,” said Kelly. This opportunity held great potential for new beginnings. She was looking forward to the healing retreat – but she soon encountered a problem.
Snag in Plans
Unfortunately, the retreat with The Warrior Connection was being held in Grahm, Texas – more than 1,500 miles away from her home in Battleground, Washington. The distance proved to be a major snag in Kelly’s plans.
“This was a challenge,” said Kelly. “Too far to drive, and too expensive to fly.”
Kelly knew she needed to attend the retreat for her healing. But she had no way to get there. Her hope was beginning to run out.
Rescued by Charitable Flights
Sometimes, people pray for angels to come to the rescue, especially when hope runs out. Luckily, a different group of angels came to Kelly’s rescue – Angel Wings for Veterans, that is! Through a partnership with Southwest Airlines, the nonprofit provided charitable flights for Kelly. This made it possible for her to attend the retreat at The Warrior Connection.
“The Southwest Airlines staff was amazing, both on and off the plane,” said Kelly. “They made me feel welcomed, guided me through delays, and even helped get my service dog settled on the plane.”
“My flight was great. Overall it was a wonderful experience.”
"I'm Feeling Hopeful..."
Now, Kelly is back home. Since attending the retreat, her mental health has greatly improved. Not only did she get a chance to heal, but she also found the connection she so desperately needed. And she is grateful to Angel Wings for Veterans and Southwest for arranging charitable flights.
“I gained an entirely new set of coping skills, and a feeling of sisterhood with the women who attended with me,” said Kelly.
“I'm feeling hopeful for the first time in a long time.”
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