OPERATION
FREEDOM BIRD
8725 W. Flower, Phoenix, AZ 85037
Day: 602.640.2981 Evening: 623.872.7692
For 14 years 'Operation Freedom Bird' has been providing Arizona's men and women veterans of the Vietnam War with a unique opportunity to share their experiences, confront their feeling, and pay tribute to their fallen comrades-in-arms in a supportive environment of fellow veterans and licensed professional counselors.
Approximately
50 veterans each year (since 1988) are selected to participate in a four day
visit to the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Veterans Day.
The program commences with a quiet check-in at the airport in Phoenix. Southwest
Airlines has provided airfare. Participants are given ID's and OFB baseball hats
and gather as a group to support one another. Many veterans have said that this
reminds them of the day they left for Vietnam. The group then flies to
Washington D.C., where they are meet by their personal tour bus. After check-in
at their hotel, the group makes their first visit to the Vietnam War Memorial
late at night. The agenda includes at least two more visits to the
memorial, where veterans have the opportunity to find the names of fellow
soldiers who are memorialized as casualties of the war on 'The Wall.' Vet Center
counselors interact closely with group members during these often difficult
encounters. One evening each year a special group dinner is held, highlighted by
remarks from a keynote speaker.
Participants
are selected by Vet Center counselors throughout Arizona who also accompany the
veterans on their journey. In addition to several visits to 'The Wall', the
programs itinerary includes Veterans Day ceremonies at Arlington National
Cemetery. In recent years, as recognition for Operation Freedom Bird has grown,
the group has received official recognition and VIP seating for the
wreath-laying ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After the ceremony
and the President's speech, the group travels to the Vietnam War Memorial for
another ceremony, where OFB is one of a select group of organizations permitted
to participate in their wreath-laying ceremony. Counselors select three members
of the group to carry the OFB wreath and place it before the Wall. For many, the
Veterans Day Ceremonies are the highlight of their trip.
Operation Freedom Bird underwrites all meals, lodging and ground transportation expenses for the veterans and counselors. It is funded entirely through tax deductible individual and corporate donations and in-kind services. No government money is provided. The all-volunteer-staff ensures that overhead costs are kept low.
'Welcome
Home' ceremonies await the veterans on their return to Phoenix. As they
disembark the aircraft, they are greeted by their loved ones, a band, a military
color guard, balloons, banners and speakers to formally welcome them home. For
most of them, it is the first gesture of recognition and gratitude that they
have received for their service in Vietnam. Long after the trip has ended, Vet
Center counselors provide follow-up group and individual counseling. An informal
fraternity has developed among veterans who have taken part in the program over
the years. Their living testimonials to the merits of Operation Freedom Bird
remain the driving force behind the program.
Thank You Operation Freedom Bird
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