Coming up this Thursday, three St. Joseph area veterans will take part in the Old Glory Relay, a relay that takes an American flag through several states to raise money for veteran causes.
Jeff “Jay” Dixon served in the Army and is now an airline pilot. He told us between flights this week he’s looking forward to carrying the flag for about two miles through St. Joseph.
“We are all carrying a flag that was flown in Iraq and Syria from Philadelphia to Chicago via like a 1,600 mile path over 30 days,” Jay said.
Jay will be joined by his wife, Briana, who served in Iraq and is now a counselor. She told us the two jumped at the chance to connect with other veterans and help raise money.
“I think that it is fun for veterans and people to get out and celebrate their patriotism, but more than that, I think honoring our veterans is important,” Briana said. “So, I feel like this is a good mix of both.”
Jay says he hopes their participation in the relay can help make a difference.
“Now being retired and not being in, it’s an interesting feeling,” Jay said. “It’s kind of tough to not see your friends that you made in the military — good times and bad times, of course — but this way, it kind of feels like you’re still a part of it and you hear other people’s stories and get to tell yours.”
The Dixons will take part in the flag relay on Day 28 of its 30-day journey as it makes its way from Saugatuck to New Buffalo on Thursday.
Briana will walk the flag from Fluff ‘n Suds in Benton Harbor to Golden Shore Assisted Living in St. Joseph. She’ll hand it off to her brother and fellow veteran, Brandon Dawalt, who will walk with the flag to the Silver Beach Hotel, and then Jay will run with the flag to Lookout Park. The three will be out on their routes between about 1 p.m. and 2:30, and people are welcome to cheer them on.
Donations can also be made online to help support veteran health programs.
