BAKERSFIELD, CA-- A 7-year-old Bakersfield girl raised enough money to send a veteran on Honor Flight Kern County. Honor Flight sends veterans to visit their respective memorials in Washington D.C.
Kelsea Holloway has been raising money for Honor Flight by selling lemonade on the weekends. She was back to work Sunday, setting up her stand this time at the Armed Forces Recruiting Center in Bakersfield.
Holloway honored both ends of a military career, new recruits shipping out for basic training and the heroes who have fought for their country.
"I want to send at least one or two veterans to Washington D.C.,” Holloway said.
To send a veteran to D.C. it costs about $1,500. The second grader at St. Francis raised $15,01 as of Monday morning according to her mother.
Armed Forces Support Riders were holding the event to honor three U.S. Army recruits heading to basic training.
"People are supporting me,” said Kylee Rollins, U.S. Army recruit. “Makes me feel happy. Excited, more excited to go."
Before the riders escorted the recruits to the edge of town, Ben Patten and president of the Armed Forces Support Riders, gave a plaque to Holloway and thanked her in front of the crowd.
“Today is even more special because of this patriot right here,” Patten said. “Thank you for what you do."
This was the last lemonade stand for Holloway until next year.
Halloway's mother said all of the money raised will be presented to Honor Flight Kern County at the American Legion Post in Bakersfield at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 24.