PBES recognizes WWII veteran
BY SCOTT PAGE Gulf Breeze News Scott@gulfbreezenews.com

Scott Page/Gulf Breeze News PBES kindergartner Tanner Braxton (center) helped his class raise $600 to send World War II veteran Walt Sullivan (left) on an Honor Flight. At right, Lt. Colonel Dave Glassman.

Members of the first Veterans Honor Flight to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., visited Pensacola Beach Elementary School on Wednesday, May 7, to show their appreciation for the school's efforts to help fund the trip.

There was a special presentation to the kindergarteners in addition to the general appreciation shown by representatives from the military, a World War II veteran and Honor Flight guardians.

Jennifer Neal's kindergarten class raised and donated $600 to the Marine Corps League for the Emerald Coast Honor Flight, which took place on April 30. Each student received a certificate of gratitude from members of the military and Honor Flight veterans.

Walt Sullivan, a WWII veteran, expressed his appreciation for the children's efforts.

"We had a really good time," said Sullivan. "It was an emotional trip."

Pete Southerland, who served as a Marine from 1960-1964, served as a guardian on the Honor Flight and added his thoughts on the trip.

"The amount of coordination on the trip was unbelievable," Southerland said. "It was a fantastic experience."

The next Emerald Coast Honor Flight is in the works, but the date has not yet been determined.

"We're in the process of organizing the second flight," said 1st Lt. Curtis Prentice, U.S. Marine Corps.

"We were just waiting to see how the first one went."