We, Honor Flight Kern County volunteers, recognize the potential health risks to our veterans and community members.
The following is the official word from our Board of Directors:
While individually we may have different levels of concern regarding the dangers associated with the Coronavirus there appears to be one variable to which all doctors and CDC personnel agree: if you are 70-80-90 years old the Coronavirus is especially dangerous. If you have a secondary health issue, pulmonary, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. your chances of becoming a victim are increased.
We recognize as of this moment in time there has not been a recognized Coronavirus victim in Kern County. That being said, it is our belief the County of Kern will identify a Coronavirus victim as the pandemic spreads.
The decision to postpone the April flights was made because our veterans are of the most susceptible age group to the Coronavirus.
That criteria again influences our decision regarding breakfast.
Earlier today, through various emails, the Executive Committee of Honor Flight Kern County (Marsh, Whitaker, Mundorf, Sandrini) determined that placing several hundred veterans in a closed room environment (breakfast) was not in the best interest of their health and safety. As a result, until further notice, all breakfasts have been postponed.
Note: Remember Honor Flight National has postponed all flights through April 30; we would actually be putting more veterans in a closed environment than if we were in an airplane.
We ask our talented and hard working volunteers who make this event so popular to contact the Elks, veterans and post on our website and other action deemed appropriate to notify all interested in the breakfast that they have been postponed until further notice.