Page 7 - The History of Veterans at Highland Springs

THE HISTORY
There have been Veterans among the residents of Highland Springs since the beginning, but it was not until the summer of 2016 that the Veterans Memorial Group was informally organized by Alfred (Al) and Pat Binko, along with Rayford Cade, Herb Hoxie, Glee Pitney, and Pete Robertson. It was created for the purchase of three tribute trees to honor three groups or persons that included our former Resident Service Coordinator Barbara Blachly, a strong supporter of Veterans and their activities. Another tree and plaque were for Laura Leppert, co-founder and President of Daughters of WW II. She had arranged trips to foreign battlefields, and for many years provided luncheons, speakers, and awards to the Greatest Generation Veterans. Among others, Highland Springs former resident Marine Clyde Jackson was recognized by her organization for his part in the capture of Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima, and she presented the Humanitarian Medal of Honor to Al Binko and Rosian Zerner in 2015.
The other tribute tree was in honor of the Honor Flight DFW organization that was a catalyst in bringing our Veterans together with all-expense paid two-day tours of the National Monuments in Washington, D.C. Honor Flight DFW is a totally volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to honoring Veterans for the sacrifices they have made to keep our nation safe. The initial Honor Flight took place in 2004. The first flight from DFW occurred in 2009. Since then, 43 flights have been conducted and over 1,100 Veterans from the Dallas area have made the flight. Almost 50 of those Veterans were from Highland Springs!
In 2020, because COVID precluded any flights, Highland Springs was one of six retirement communities Honor Flight DFW decided to visit with a motorcade on November 8 to honor Veterans. The Highland Springs Motorcade required coordination with the Veterans Affairs Group, Resident Life, the Highland Springs Medical Center, and the Security Office. Numerous cars, trucks, and a motorcycle circled our property, led by Security Director Leroy Duran, and ending at the Hillcrest Clubhouse. At that time, the Honor Flight DFW president presented the Veterans Affairs Group members with packets of cards and letters for each Veteran at Highland Springs.
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