The men and women of the service organization Silver Wings combine volunteerism and national pride as they serve the community and honor military veterans.
“Silver Wings helps people develop in three ways: serving the community; attending guest speakers; and leadership opportunities and educating other civilians about the Air Force and its role in national defense,” said Brenna Hanly, an animal science sophomore and Silver Wings public affairs representative.
Silver Wings is involved in service projects that benefit the community and veterans, participating in fund-raisers such as the American Heart Walk and the Junior Diabetes Relief Foundation. Members also helped organize the opening of an autism center in Denham Springs.
Hanly said that the center is a “refuge place for families and children” with autism.
Last week, members of Silver Wings went to a retirement war home for veterans in Jackson, La. Members planned a cookout at the retirement home and served the veterans hamburgers and hotdogs.
“We sat and talked with the veterans, and I could see an overwhelming amount of pride in our country,” Hanly said.
Silver Wings also holds fund-raisers to raise money for members to attend national and regional conventions and for other club expenses. This year, members sold Krispy Kreme cards with doughnut discounts as their main event. Krispy Kreme also donated money to the club.
“In the past, we have collected recyclable printer cartridges for money and have held garage sales,” Hanly said.
Originally known as Angel Flight, the organization began as a women’s-only service and support group for Air Force ROTC at the University of Omaha in 1952.
In 1957, Angel Flight partnered with the Air Force honor society Arnold Air Society. In 1998, the national board officially changed the title of Angel Flight to “Silver Wings” due to male membership.
“I used to be in ROTC and the Arnold Air Society, and I can still hang out with my ROTC friends in Silver Wings,” said Colby Landry, a biochemistry sophomore. “It’s also cool because of the service opportunities.”
Silver Wings also has a large support system in its alumni group.
“I thought it was a good experience,” said former member and LSU alumna Mary Ellen Hart.
Hart joined the organization when it was called Angel Flight because she has two brothers in the military.
“We supported the community, and we were like ambassadors for LSU, greeting out-of-town football teams at the airport and supporting the ROTC program,” Hart said.
Hart said she met people from all areas of the LSU community through her time in the organization.