When Welding students catch up and get ahead in class, they have some time to work on extra projects. A lot of students help make loons’ nests, but Brock Snow had the opportunity to work on some military blades that got donated to Freedom Flight, Inc. for their March online auction to raise funds.
The military blades are large, round metal cut-outs that are created with a welding robot, then Snow sanded it and put on the finishing touches. Board member of Freedom Flight, John Pearson, picked up the blades.
“It’s gratitude for what they [military members] do,” said Snow. “I know not many people give them the recognition they deserve. I’ve had family in the service. When they see the blades, it’s a little appreciation to know that people are thinking of them.”
After the donation, Pearson returned to SCTCC to present the students with a thank you letter and plaque of appreciation: “Your patriotic support to Freedom Flight goes a long way in helping us keep our balloons flying.”
Freedom Flight is a volunteer-only organization that operates 4 hot air balloons with the POW/MIA flag to increase public awareness of the 80,000 Prisoners of War/Missing in Action servicemembers who have not returned home since WWI. The balloons are in attendance at more than 60 events a year and fly 179 flights each year. Three of their four balloons are based in St. Cloud, so you may have seen a balloon in flight.
"Providing Freedom Flight with these military emblem designs is our way of honoring and supporting our veterans. It is an expression of gratitude for the sacrifices they've made in service to our nation," said Welding instructor Chuck Haus.
This is the 35th year that Freedom Flight is in operation, and the online auction will be live in March with more information at freedomflight.org. If you’d like to bid on items crafted by SCTCC students, this is your chance.