A Personal Hero of Mine Passed Away Today – Rest in Peace Corporal Edwards

Corporal Phillip "Phil" Edwards was the Korean War veteran I was assigned to last September on our Honor Flight trip. Cpl. Edwards fought is last battle early this morning.

Those who have experienced the magic of Honor Flight know it's a feeling that never goes away and a feeling you can only understand by taking a flight to Washington D.C.

Last September, I was fortunate enough to have been included on a flight and was able to experience the magic. Oh, it's not the flight that creates the magic, it's those you are with on those flights who create the magic, and it was Corporal Phillip "Phil" Edwards who created most of that magic for me.

It's with a heavy heart though that I mention he fought his last battle and passed away early this morning. One might think that spending only 36 hours with someone is not that big of a deal, but I can't tell you how much those 36 hours changed my life, forever.

Corporal Edwards was in the United States Army and served our country during the Korean War. Although he couldn't really talk that much, it was clear he was very proud of his service, and while talking with his nurses this week, it was also very clear his trip on that September Honor Flight was a shining moment in his life. He talked about the trip often, and had a glow about him that hadn't been seen before.

To say how honored I was then, and especially now, to have been his guardian is something that I can't really put into words but that feeling will be with me forever.

It's our heroes, just like Corporal Edwards, who gave me the idea of the Honor Flight Northern Colorado Endurance Ride last year - and to try it one more time this year. The funds we all raised last year sent 35 veterans to Washington D.C. and with your help, we can send 50 more this year.

Corporal Edwards literally has no family, so if you would like to tell him "Thank You" please consider sponsoring some miles today in his honor, or sponsor some miles for a veteran in your life. It cost $1,000 to send one of our veterans, and my goal of raising $50,000 can't be done without your help. I am way behind goal, and I really do need you to come through for not just me, but for Corporal Edwards and all the rest who deserve a seat on a future Honor Flight.

Every single dollar I raise goes directly to Honor Flight Northern Colorado which is a 501c3, so your donation is tax deductible. To sponsor some miles, just follow these easy directions:

Email me at charley@k99.com and let me know how many miles you would like to sponsor. Tell me who you are, where you live, and why you are sponsoring miles. Perhaps in honor of Corporal Edwards or a veteran in your life. If it's to honor your own veteran, give me some details about them, like what branch they served in, rank and what conflict they served in or are currently serving. You can also call me at 800-500-2599 and I can walk you through it all.

Time is running out... our veterans deserve this and sponsoring some miles on their behalf is a true and real way of saying "thank you."