Fiske Hanley Celebration of Life Tribute in Fort Worth
Fiske Hanley Celebration of Life Tribute in Fort Worth Saturday evening at the Vintage Flying Museum. On Sunday, August 9th Fiske passed away. Indeed many were in attendance including Don Graves, Mark Donahew, Lynette Brown, Mary Staffeld, Donna Snow, EA Rex King, and 2020 Ms. Veteran America finalist Karalyn Martin, amongst others.
USVET.fund Remembers Fiske Hanley Through Auctioned Items
In fact, three local organizations were hosts for the event. USVET.fund, Inc. provided the BBQ meal prepared by Army Veteran Lance Sparkman and served by him and volunteers. Consequently, the emcee for the evening, United States Marine Corps Veteran Myers Jackson, is the President of USVET.fund. As a matter of fact, the top mission of the 501(c)(3) organization is “to learn, listen, observe and the react to the needs of American Veterans that have faithfully fulfilled their obligations, and giving aid and assistance to them and their families with education, vocations, service and support in cooperation with organizations who will do the same”.
Additionally, two live auctions took place consisting of items supplied by USVET.fund. First was a God Bless America porcelain street sign signed by World War II veterans…including Fiske Hanley. Specifically, Fiske’s son, auctioneer Tom Hanley, conducted the auction. Second Myers Jackson America’s Auctioneer conducted the auction for an enlarged print of a Jeremy Jackson drawing depicting Fiske Hanley. Certainly, the print tells the story of how Fiske was shot out of the air by the Japanese battleship Yamato. Also depicted on the print is a rendering of a recent photo taken at the Iwo Jima Survivor’s Reunion in Wichita Falls where Fiske was a regular attendee.
Roll Call Fort Worth Remembers Fiske Hanely
Roll Call Fort Worth brings together Veterans, Military personnel and civilians for a luncheon on the last Friday of each month. In fact, the first lunch 6 years ago consisted of 15 WWII Veterans. However, today luncheons have around 400 in attendance. President Mark Donahew spoke about the organization and Fiske. Surely, Fiske attended each luncheon that he could.
The Vintage Flying Museum Provides Location to Celebrate Fiske Hanley’s Life
The Vintage Flying Museum was the venue for the evening. Moreover, family and friends gathered around a B-29 at the museum to remember a man who touched the souls of everyone who knew or met him.
Presentations by Devoted Veterans
Markedly, Iwo Jima survivor Don Graves sang the National Anthem and God Bless America. Following him, 2020 Ms. Veteran America finalist Karalyn Martin recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Additionally, Karalyn Martin later took to the stage to share her memories of Fiske. As well as to share about her concern for homeless female veterans and their children. Karalyn is competing to be Ms. Veteran America 2020 and be the active advocate for Final Salute, Inc. In fact, a live auction for Karalyn Martin sponsored by USVET.fund with proceeds going to Final Salute, Inc will be on September 23rd.
Additionally, Karalyn recited a POW flag poem. Similarly, Donna Snow of The Snow Sisters on Texas Flip and Move recited an American flag poem. After which Donna presented a restored American flag to Fiske’s daughter. Simutaneously, Karalyn presented a restored POW flag to Fiske’s son Tom.
Retired Flag Project
Interestingly, the two flags were retired flags restored by Melissa Bird and the Retired Flag Project. The Retired Flag Project receives retired flags from fire and police stations, VFWs, and American Legions. Next these flags are reworked and restored with care and respect. Then the flags are cleaned, folded, photographed, numbered and sent on their way to a veteran to cherish.
Also receiving restored American flags were Donna Snow for her dedication and contributions to the remodeling of the Denton American Legion Post #71. As well as Navy Veteran EA Rex King. Both Donna’s and Rex’s flags had been retired from the same American Legion Post #71.
Don Graves Iwo Jima Survivor Long Time Friend Attends Fiske Hanley Celebration
Retired Air Force Veteran and Vice President of Roll Call Mary Staffeld
Dan Duda Veteran, Historian, Board of Directors of Roll Call Fort Worth, Renee Davis and Bill at the Vintage Flight Museum
Lynnette Brown Iwo Jima Survivors Reunion Knew Fiske Hanley for Years
Photos From Fiske Hanley Celebration of Life Tribute in Fort Worth