BETTENDORF, Iowa–As part of its ongoing commitment to community, service, and supporting those who protect our region, Ascentra Credit Union donated $20,000 to the inaugural Quad City Back the Blue Flight.
The new program honors local law enforcement officers, both active and retired, by providing a one-day chartered flight to Washington, D.C., where participants will visit the National Police Officers Memorial Wall and other historic sites.
Quad City Back the Blue Flight’s mission is to support and honor law enforcement officers across the Quad Cities by offering an all-expenses-paid, roundtrip experience designed to recognize their service and sacrifice. In addition to officers, each flight will include a family member of a local officer who was killed in the line of duty, ensuring that fallen heroes are honored and remembered.
The upcoming trip will depart from the Quad City International Airport on the morning of Sept. 9, and include chartered airfare, ground transportation, meals, and guided visits to the National Police Officers Memorial Wall and Museum, the Capitol, the National Spy Museum, and other significant landmarks. The experience gives officers a meaningful opportunity to reflect, connect with peers, and honor the memories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Law enforcement officers protect our communities with courage and selflessness,” said Linda Andry, president and CEO of Ascentra Credit Union. “We are proud to help support the launch of a program that recognizes those serving our communities; past, present, and future.”
The organization also aims to raise awareness about local law enforcement needs and concerns, while fostering continued support for future flights. Its long-term goal is to make these experiences in Washington, D.C. available to as many active and retired law enforcement professionals as possible.
“Back the Blue Flight will make a profound impact on the lives of our officers,” said Greg Keller, board president of Quad City Back the Blue Flight. “Thanks to Ascentra’s generosity and leadership, we are able to honor those who serve and remember those who gave everything.”
From left: Jennifer Naeve, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Ascentra Credit Union; Nancy Renkes, Quad City Back the Blue Flight; Curt Wilson, Board Member, Quad City Back the Blue Flight; Penny Guenther, Board Treasurer, Quad City Back the Blue Flight; Linda Andry, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ascentra Credit Union; Josh Paul, Board Member, Quad City Back the Blue Flight; Greg Keller, Board President, Quad City Back the Blue Flight; Josh Kluever, Board Member, Quad City Back the Blue Flight; Beth Grabin, Chief Financial Officer, Ascentra Credit Union; John Reynolds, Board Member, Quad City Back the Blue Flight; Amy Larson, Board Secretary, Quad City Back the Blue Flight; Barry Shaw, Community Partner Director, Ascentra Credit Union; and Gary Hoegner, Board Member, Quad City Back the Blue Flight.
