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Charity says it provides free vacations to redeploying soldiers, sets fundraiser
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SAVANNAH — Two men hope to paramotor (fly under parachute wings with a fan strapped to their backs) from Savannah to the Florida Keys to raise money for combat veteran-run charity Operation ReConnect.

The goal of the seven-day journey, called “Freedom Flight,” is to raise $150,000 for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit that gives vacations to returning troops and their families.

“We’re thrilled to be doing something so adventurous and engaging to raise awareness and funds for our combat veterans,” Ryan Charrier, founder and president of Operation ReConnect, said.

Charrier, who currently serves in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, founded Operation ReConnect when he was serving in Afghanistan after talking to another soldier who said he had never been able to take his family on a vacation.

“From my base in Afghanistan, I made all of the necessary arrangements for this soldier and his family to enjoy a free vacation when he returned home,” Charrier said.

Operation ReConnect was born.

Within five months, Charrier said the charity provided trips to 33 families, providing accommodations, meals and activities free.
Brady King and Curtis Williams will take off Sunday from Savannah, landing periodically at military bases on the trip.

Williams, a trustee and adviser to Operation ReConnect, said, “We’re hoping to raise as much money and awareness for Operation ReConnect as possible.”

The journey will culminate in the Florida Keys on March 26. If you want to donate, go to paypal.me/OPRC.

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Interstate lane closures, detours set
Traffic shift in effect for 20 days near Savannah Airport
GaDOT

The Georgia Department of Transportation continues to improve highway infrastructure throughout the area. As a result, work on construction and maintenance projects will continue through Saturday. Closure schedules may change due to weather or other factors.

Lane closures by county are scheduled as follows:

 

Bryan County

·         From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday I-16 Westbound from US 80/Exit 143 to SR 119/Exit 137 will have single-lane closures for bridge rehabilitation work.

 

Chatham County I-95 Resurfacing

·         There will be continuous double-lane closures and a shift in traffic patterns for 20 days near the Savannah Airport as approach slabs at Pipemakers Bridge are replaced. Lane closures will be in effect between mileposts 103 and 104 Monday, and ramp closures at Exit 102 will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday and Tuesday.

 

Liberty County

·         From 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. through May 12, there will be nightly ramp closures with detours at I-95 exits 76 and 67 to replace existing concrete on ramps.

 

For more information about travel conditions on Georgia’s interstates and state routes, call 511. More information is also available at www.511ga.org.  

The Georgia Department of Transportation continues to improve highway infrastructure throughout the area. As a result, work on construction and maintenance projects will continue through Saturday. Closure schedules may change due to weather or other factors.

Lane closures by county are scheduled as follows:

 

Bryan County

·         From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday I-16 Westbound from US 80/Exit 143 to SR 119/Exit 137 will have single-lane closures for bridge rehabilitation work.

 

Chatham County I-95 Resurfacing

·         There will be continuous double-lane closures and a shift in traffic patterns for 20 days near the Savannah Airport as approach slabs at Pipemakers Bridge are replaced. Lane closures will be in effect between mileposts 103 and 104 Monday, and ramp closures at Exit 102 will be in effect from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday and Tuesday.

 

Liberty County

·         From 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. through May 12, there will be nightly ramp closures with detours at I-95 exits 76 and 67 to replace existing concrete on ramps.

 

For more information about travel conditions on Georgia’s interstates and state routes, call 511. More information is also available at www.511ga.org. 

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