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Written by Web news
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Friday, 22 May 2009 08:23 |
TOLEDO – Honor Flight Northwest Ohio will begin the 2009 flight season with the biggest undertaking in its history. On May 27, two chartered jets will carry 55 veterans to Washington, D.C.
Last year, Honor Flight NWO escorted 142 area veterans to the nation’s capital, however, that was accomplished with five single flight trips.
Honor Flight Northwest Ohio is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to flying veterans to Washington, D.C. so they can see their war memorials. Air transportation, motor coach, meals and other amenities are all provided without charge. Currently, the focus is on World War II veterans, many of whom do not have the physical strength or financial means to tackle a trip of this magnitude on their own.
The manifests for the May 27 flights include two women who served in the Navy during World War II. A Korean War veteran and a Vietnam veteran will also take the Honor Flight as TLC’s (a special designation – Their Last Chance - for terminally ill veterans who are automatically moved to the top of the waiting list.)
In addition to spending several hours at the World War II Memorial, the veterans will also have an opportunity to visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Marine Corps Memorial and the Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Veterans will meet at the Grand Aire FBO at 6 a.m. for check-in, breakfast and orientation. The two Express Jet charters (50-seat Embraer145) will depart at approximately 8:45 a.m. The return flight will bring the honored guests back to the Grand Aired FBO at approximately 9 p.m. for a welcome home celebration.
Travel expenses are funded through the generosity of individuals, social clubs, veterans groups, churches and businesses in the area. In 2008, Owens-Illinois and the Maumee Eagles each sponsored an entire flight. Guardians, who pay their own expenses, accompany the American heroes to assist with wheelchairs, oxygen and other special needs. There are 550 veterans on the Honor Flight Northwest Ohio waiting list and thousands more across the country.
Since its inception in 2005, the Honor Flight Network has safely transported over 17,000 veterans to Washington, D.C. There are now 70 Honor Flight “hubs” in 31 states.
Those who wish to support the Honor Flight mission may send donations to Honor Flight Northwest Ohio, P.O. Box 23018, Toledo, Ohio 43623.
For more, information visit www.honorflightnwo.org.
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