Ross County’s Spirit Gang 4-H Club took community service to new heights in March as they traveled to Columbus to welcome veterans home from an honor flight. Sarah Lambert, club advisor for the Spirit Gang, organized the project and shared about the club’s experience serving as part of the welcoming committee.
Eight Ross County teens made the trip to Columbus with their handmade signs in tow and lined the halls of the John Glenn Columbus International Airport as veterans returned from their trip. “We didn’t really know what to expect going into it, but it turned out to be a really impactful experience,” said Lambert. “In the past 
we haven’t done many hands-on community service projects, and this was a great way to show our 4-H’ers the importance of in-person community service work.”
Honor flights recognize the United States’ senior veterans by taking them on a free trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the nation’s service and war memorials. During the trip veterans are encouraged to share their stories and their service is celebrated with a homecoming reception at the airport upon their return.
“It was emotional for everyone, and it was clear that the veterans appreciated the gesture, especially since so many of them weren’t thanked properly when they actively served,” Lambert said. “4-H teaches kids a lot of great skills, but participating in community service projects like this helps kids put some good into the world and learn more about life beyond their own experiences.”