PHOENIX - America's veterans are honored today for their service and sacrifice for the nation, but there is a program in Arizona that works year-round to do that.

Susan Howe, founder of Honor Flight Arizona, which flies about 30 vets at a time to tour the war memorials and other historic sites in Washington, described her organization's mission.

"The primary focus is the World War II memorial, but we also go to the Capitol and to the other war memorials and military memorials, and also to be honored for all that they have done for us," she said.

Since it was started four years ago, Howe said, Honor Flight Arizona has flown near 900 vets to the nation's capital. The project receives no government funding, but relies on contributions from service clubs, businesses and individuals.

Howe said the World War II vets definitely appreciate the opportunity to see their memorial, but even more, the interaction with people they meet on the trip.

"They are absolutely taken aback by the number of Americans who shake their hands, who clap, who cheer, who come up to them and hug them, and say, 'Thank you so much for what you've done.'"

Howe says there's a sense of urgency at Honor Flight Arizona. The average age of World War II vets is now 90, and there's a waiting list of 270 for the flights.

"When we make phone calls to let a veteran who has signed up know that they're going on a trip, about 25 percent of them are either too infirm at this point to go, or they've died," she said. "And that's why time is of the essence."

The Honor Flight Network, which is open to all veterans, has helped nearly 100,000 vets across the country see such sites as the Korean, Vietnam and Iwo Jima Memorials, as well as Arlington National Cemetery.

The website for Howe's group is HonorFlightAZ.org.






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GRAND FORKS, N.D. - A perfect storm is putting a strain on blood-bank supplies in North Dakota and around the country. It's a combination of trauma cases, patients resuming elective surgeries - and prospective donors returning to pre-pandemic life.

The American Red Cross issued an appeal this week that blood donations are urgently needed.

It says demand from hospitals with trauma centers has jumped by 10% this year. Another factor is people who put off procedures at the height of the pandemic.

And Monica Janssen, donor relations coordinator at the Dak Minn Blood Bank in Grand Forks, said with many COVID restrictions lifted, they're in the same boat.

"Now that the summer months have hit," said Janssen, "we have now been in with the national blood shortage and have seen a big nosedive in donors."

She said they're doing about one blood drive a week, and only getting between five and 20 donors at those events. Vitalant blood centers across North Dakota also are urging people to consider a donation.

Dak Minn's blood donations go directly to hospital patients, and Janssen said they can't do what they normally do when local supplies are running low - which is ask other centers for help.

"Now with the national shortage, it's really hard to get blood from other places as well," said Janssen.

The American Red Cross says there's been less than a half-day's supply of 'Type O' blood in recent weeks. It is making a special appeal to people with 'Type O' blood to donate if they can, since that is the blood type most needed by hospitals.

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Bismarck is laying out its vision for future planning. As ideas come together, it has become the first North Dakota city to adopt a strategy other parts of the country have used to elevate the concerns of older residents.

The city recently joined AARP's Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, in which the nonprofit engages with local leaders in various planning steps. It coincides with the city's Together 2045 plan.

Susan Dingle, a retiree living in Bismarck, said traffic and transportation issues are very important to her. She wants the city to prioritize pedestrian safety.

"Intersections are not necessarily very friendly to anyone of any age who's walking," Dingle asserted. "So, maintenance of sidewalks and crossings, educating the driving public."

And it's not just nonprofits and elected officials discussing such ideas. The network encourages residents to participate by sparking conversations with friends and neighbors as well as providing input to the city.

Bismarck hopes to complete the Together 2045 plan by December of next year. It will be used as a guiding tool for future growth and development.

Josh Askvig, state director for AARP North Dakota, said the effort shouldn't be about pitting older residents versus other age groups. He hopes the approach does away with certain rhetoric, such as different viewpoints between baby boomers and millennials.

"Fact of the matter is, they want the same things," Askvig contended. "They want walkable neighborhoods, they want good transportation options, they want access to quality health care, they want good, safe housing."

Another example from an AARP survey of North Dakotans 45 and older found 89% of respondents want access to affordable groceries.

Nationwide, more than 500 communities have joined the age-friendly network, and AARP hopes other North Dakota cities join the movement.

BOISE, Idaho -- Nominations are open for Idahoans who are making a difference in their communities through volunteering as part of the 2021 Andrus Award for Community Service.

Dr. Bessie Katsilometes, volunteer state president for AARP Idaho, said the organization is looking for folks who can serve as an inspiration for other volunteers.

"It is open for nomination to Idahoans who are age 50 and over who are sharing their experience, talent and skills to enrich the lives of their community members," Katsilometes explained. "It can be an individual, or it can be a couple, who are volunteering in one or several organizations."

The deadline for nominations is July 15. The recipient or recipients will get to choose a nonprofit organization to receive a $2,000 dollar donation from AARP.

Katsilometes pointed out many deserving Idaho organizations need donations and volunteers more than ever as a result of the pandemic.

Katsilometes noted many AARP volunteers have reached out to connect with older folks who are feeling isolated because of COVID-19. She describes them, and other volunteers, as the backbone of the country.

"These folks are what I call unsung heroes and heroines," Katsilometes stated. "They care for their fellow human being in untold ways, in companionship and compassion, and just being present."

Gini Woodward of Bonners Ferry was the recipient of the 2020 Idaho Andrus Award for Community Service. Katsilometes said AARP will announce the 2021 winner in early fall.