On Dec. 8, the Palm Coast Elks Lodge Veterans Committee donated $2,500 from its fundraising efforts to Teens-In-Flight to support the training and education of one of its students. Teens-In-Flight provides aviation training to teens from military and first responder families and youth who are at risk or financially underserved. Founded by Colonel Jack Howell, USMC (Ret.), a 37-year lodge member, the program grew from his understanding of the unique challenges faced by military children.
Pictured are Veterans Committee members Steve Gallagher, Dave Valinski, and Pete Lehnertz; Teens-In-Flight student Elijah; Teens-In-Flight founder and member, Colonel Jack Howell; and Veterans Committee members Jerry DiMenna and Sean Reardon. Also pictured is a Teens-In-Flight airplane, which is used to train the students enrolled in the program.