Collbran Job Corps students have been honoring World War II veterans along with members of surrounding communities.

Grand Junction’s (Colorado) Daily Sentinel reported that “in just 2-1/2 years, amidst an economic recession that reduced many people’s charitable spending, the local Honor Flight raised more than $625,000…it will have flown more than 500 World War II veterans from the Western Slope to Washington, D.C. to view the National World War II Memorial.”

Evonne Stites, an instructor at Collbran Job Corps, learned of the local Honor Flight, volunteered, and got Job Corps students involved. Students have personally addressed and hand written over 100 letters to the veterans. The letters are distributed on the return flight from Washington, C.D. to Grand Junction during “mail call.” The students’ letters are old fashioned thank you letters from a grateful public.

In addition, Job Corps staff and students have made the 45 minute trip from Collbran Job Corps Center to the Grand Junction airport to welcome the veterans home from Washington, D.C.