DESOTO, Wisconsin (WXOW) - The Freedom Honor Flight received funds to send at least three World War II veterans to Washington D.C. on Thursday morning. A check was presented to veteran, Jim Moe, at De Soto Middle and High School.
The student body held a pledge-walk to raise a $1,500 contribution to the organization.
DeSoto Middle School student, Julia Wopat was one of the students that raised the most money for the organization. She says she was motivated by two factors. "One, is because of the World War II veterans. They sacrificed so much for our country. And second, because my brother, Larry, has done three tours in Iraq and I feel connected to this," says Wopat.
DeSoto Middle and High School teacher, Heather Johnson, organized the fundraiser. Johnson says the students were able to take away a sense of pride from their fundraiser. "I think they walked way with a better understanding. They have a better respect for the veterans out there and what they did. I think they also had a very big sense of accomplishment and pride knowing that they raised enough money to send three veterans," said Johnson.
Johnson says DeSoto Middle and High School challenges other schools in the La Crosse area to raise money for Honor Flights.
Freedom Honor Flight flies groups of veterans to Washington D.C. to visit war memorials standing in their honor.
