REEDLEY – After displaying the local stories of World War II for nearly four months earlier this year, the Reedley Historical Society decided to keep its support for veterans going with a donation to the Central Valley Honor Flight program.
Rather than set the money aside for the continued operation of the Reedley Museum, the historical society dedicated all of the donations it received during its annual fall fundraiser on Nov. 4 to the program.
As members of the historical society presented a check for $7,000 to honor flight representatives on Dec. 2, Vernon Schmidt, a World War II veteran born and raised in Reedley, turned to Central Valley Honor Flight Co-Founder Paul Loeffler and said, “See, I told you Reedley was a nice town.”
Schmidt was one of two veterans who spoke to more than 150 people at the fall fundraiser. This year’s theme focused on World War II, recognizing the 80th anniversary of V-E Day and V-J Day. The event also tied into the museum’s earlier exhibit that showcased how the war impacted those in and from Reedley, including stories of those who served, Japanese-Americans who were forced to move to internment camps and locals who contributed to the war effort.
The Central Valley Honor Flight began in 2013, initially focusing on bringing World War II veterans to see their memorial in Washington, D.C. Since then, the program has taken 2,216 Valley veterans to the nation’s capital, Loeffler said.
“This (donation) will make it possible for several more veterans to experience the trip of a lifetime,” Loeffler said.
While priority goes to World War II veterans, the honor flight has since expanded to include veterans of the Korean War and Vietnam War. The historical society’s donation will help one of its own members, Nori Hashimoto, join the honor flight in April 2026.
The $7,000 for the honor flight came from both the fundraiser and proceeds from the sale of Schmidt’s book, titled “A Hero and Advocate for All Others.” Written by Kaye Ackermann, Laura Bailey and Reagan Steele, the book details World War II as remembered by Schmidt.
Schmidt, who will turn 100 years old in January 2026, fought in the Battle of the Bulge, which according to the National World War II Museum, was the largest engagement fought by the US Army. He was also involved in liberating a concentration camp from Nazi control.
Though he now resides in a senior living community in Fresno, Schmidt said he is always proud to be a Reedleyite. Standing inside the Reedley Museum, Schmidt encountered an old pulpit from his own church, Full Gospel Tabernacle, that he said he didn’t know was there. Attached to the pulpit was a list of 52 servicemen from Reedley who fought in World War II.
“Someone from our church was on their knees 24/7 mentioning these names,” Schmidt said. “Every single one came home.”
Schmidt’s book is available to purchase at the Reedley Museum for $20, with all proceedings going toward the honor flight. Also on display this season at the museum is the latest rotating exhibit, titled “Sharing Christmas Memories.”
The Reedley Museum is located at 1752 10th St. and is open from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
