Gerald “Jerry” & Pat Tavernier
The Hero Haul Program began 23 years ago as a simple mission by Gerald ‘Jerry’ and Pat Tavernier to support our veterans. With deep roots in his local church, Jerry has consistently shown a passion for helping others. Jerry Tavernier and Hero Haul represent a shining example of how one individual’s passion for service can lead to monumental change within a community. By providing assistance to veterans, Hero Haul embodies the spirit of gratitude and respect that our service members deserve, fostering unity and support for those who once answered the call to serve.
Hero Haul
Hero Haul was born from Jerry’s deep understanding of the hurdles veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. He envisioned a program that offered more than just practical aid—he wanted to build a lasting sense of community. Today, that vision thrives through a 13-year partnership with the Edwardsburg Presbyterian Church. Together, we host the annual Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast, a cherished tradition that fuels our mission to support those who served
Hero Haul in Action
Thanks to the Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast and the support of the community and Circle Federal Credit Union, 2025 was a record-breaking year. By combining donations with savvy, year-round shopping, Jerry was able to deliver over $11,207 worth of essential items to veterans that visit the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek, MI and the Veterans Homeless Center in South Bend, IN. 2026 donations are still coming in and will provide continued assistance.
Jerry’s Nomination for the Honor Flight Northeast Indiana April 22, 2026
What is Honor Flight?
The Honor Flight Northeast Indiana program serves as a remarkable initiative dedicated to honoring our nation’s veterans. This program provides an invaluable opportunity for veterans to visit the memorials that stand in recognition of their service and sacrifice. Receiving a nomination for this prestigious journey is a meaningful acknowledgment of the contributions that veterans like Jerry Tavernier have made to our country.
In Jerry’s Words…
To all my friends & Family,
I am so grateful to whom ever placed my name in as a nominee for the Honor Flight Northeast Indiana earlier this year. I was surprised and humbled to receive the letter that formally invited me to go on Flight #55 on April 22, 2026 to Washington D.C. with 85 other veterans.
It was so exciting to drive to Fort Wayne the day before the flight with my wife of 68 years and my family to support me on this trip. Getting up at 2:00am on the day of the flight was very special (no sleep all night). We boarded the shuttle bus at 3:30am and the day began with a great breakfast for all the veterans and their guardians at the military base before we boarded the plane at 4:15am. When we entered the airport there were so many folks (family & kids) there to send us off with flags, it was so inspiring. The flight took one hour and nine minutes and upon deplaning at the airport in Virginia we were greeted by hundreds of familes waiting for us to arrive. It was a very moving & emotional moment.The Honor Flight Northeast Indiana program serves as a remarkable initiative dedicated to honoring our nation’s veterans. This program provides an invaluable opportunity for veterans to visit the memorials that stand in recognition of their service and sacrifice. Receiving a nomination for this prestigious journey is a meaningful acknowledgment of the contributions that veterans like Jerry Tavernier have made to our country.
Then it was time to board the buses and we were off on an adventure of a lifetime. First stop was Arlington Cemetery. What an awesome sight to see, all of the thousands of graves of fallen brothers, it became very real! Just walking past all of the brothers that passed before us brought out many emotions for the entire group. The people who were there were awesome, they were from all over the nation. There was a group of 500 children from San Francisco that were so well behaved and attentive to the veterans. It was so nice, it brought many of us to tears. Every one tried to talk to us one on one and shake our hands and welcome us home. This happened every where we went in D.C. It was very inspiring. We had a box lunch provided by Mission BBQ. Then we visited all the military memorials in D.C. and the Lincoln Memorial at the national mall plus many other Pennsylvania Avenue sights.
Everyone was pretty tired, they had mail call and handed our homemade gifts to each veteran. Most of us tried to catch a few winks on the flight home. Upon arrival at the Fort Wayne airport and prior to departing the plane, they played taps for 4 fallen soldiers that were buried in Arlington Cemetery in D.C. First off the plane, they returned their flags to the families. After that procession, we were greeted many folks and a band played the national anthem. It was a gauntlet of people there to welcome us home. It was such an amazing sight to see, all of the family and friends of all the veterans.
Thank you to all of my family and friends that sent so many cards that I received during mail call on the plane. I am so grateful for all of you. I especially want to thank my son-in-law, David Kiefer Jr. for being my guardian! He got a real workout that day!
Sincerely,
Gerald Earl Tavernier aka Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa & Great-Great Grandpa
Aviation Store Keeper, 2nd Class
