Up, up and away: lifting spirits balloons honor veterans and employees | va battle creek health care | veterans affairs

On the brisk November morning, you could hear a distinct crackle from the blasts working to inflate the large balloons. Hot air balloons are 91,000 cubic feet which is the equivalent of

91,000 basketballs. On Veterans Day, fourteen professional hot air balloonists from around southwest Michigan partnered to honor Veterans and employees with a “Lifting Spirits” balloon

launch. The original Lifting Spirits Around the World was a global event championed by the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, to help celebrate the frontline workers who have

sacrificed and supported so much during the COVID pandemic. This is a way to give back to the community indicated event organizers.  The event organizer, Thomas Brown, indicated that their

specific intent was to honor the Medical Center’s Veterans and employees for what they do to serve Veterans throughout the year. Three of the pilots are also Veterans, making the event

especially important to the group. It was indeed a tribute which lifted the spirits of those present. At sunrise, the balloons can lift off into the sky. It is a unique sight to see the

balloons rising over the campus of the Battle Creek VA Medical Center in honor of the Veterans and employees. Thomas Brown debuted his new balloon called George, in honor of George

Washington. It has the Betsy Ross flag on one side and the current United States flag on the other. This year the group was able to take nine Veteran on hot air balloon rides which was a

unique opportunity. The Veterans were tremendously excited about the opportunity. One Veteran has served in New Mexico near the International Balloon Fiesta, but never had the opportunity to

attend. She felt so blessed to have this opportunity to go up in a hot air balloon. “God plays in mysterious ways," she said.  “This is an amazing opportunity."  A great way to

start Veterans Day flying over Battle Creek. The balloons filled and slowly lifted and sailed off into the sky. Some with signs and messages. Some with American flags. Others with a wave and

thank you from the pilot and crew. The 2023 Lifting Spirits Veterans Day event was a great success.