HONOR FLIGHT COMES TO HUDSON VALLEY

A local hub of Honor Flight has formed with the purpose of giving Hudson Valley World War II Veterans the opportunity many have never had – and one that most are too humble to ask for – a trip to D.C. to view the World War II Memorial.

History of National Honor Flight

The Honor Flight Network program was conceived by Earl Morse, a physician assistant and Retired Air Force Captain. Earl wanted to honor the veterans he had taken care of for the past 27 years.  In May of 2004, 65 years after the wars end, the World War II Memorial was unveiled in Washington, DC. The Memorial quickly became a hot topic for the Veterans around the VA clinic where Morse worked.  However, Morse only knew of one patient who actually made it to the memorial, the rest did not survive long enough to see their plans through or simply couldn’t afford it.

Morse formed National Honor Flight in order to raise funds for Veterans to receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC to view the Memorial that was erected in their honor. The Honor Flight Network now has over 70 chapters throughout the United States and 2012 marks their eighth year running. They have successfully and have safely transported over 81,000 World War II, Korean, and Vietnam Veteran’s to Washington, DC.

President of Hudson Valley Honor Flight and local resident, Steven Nicoli, talks passionately about his dedication to help get every local World War II Veteran get to D.C.

“Our goal is to have the flight depart from Stewart Airport,” Nicoli says, “giving Hudson Valley Veterans an opportunity to view their Memorial comfortably and conveniently, as well as allowing our local sponsors to take part in the experience as well. Our one-day trip involves a unique itinerary designed to give the Veterans the complete Honor Flight experience that they so rightly deserve – to show how grateful we are for their sacrifices and what their service meant to this country – all at no cost to them.”

The Hudson Valley Honor Flight committee has reached out to local Offices of the Aging and Veterans’ Offices in addition to local American Legions and VFW’s.

“We are currently looking to take 75 World War II Veterans on our inaugural flight this April,” explains Nicoli. “If you have a relative or know a World War II Veteran, please get them to their local chapter to fill out an application.”

In addition to 75 Veterans, the charter flight out of Stewart Airport is also seeking Guardians – individuals who want to go on the Honor Flight and spend the day with these amazing individuals. Guardians pay their own way, and the experience is said to be life-changing.

“Once you go on a trip like this, you tend to look at life a little differently,” explains Greg Furlong, President of Leatherstocking Honor Flight, based out of Albany.

Greg would know – he and his team have taken sixteen Honor Flights and have brought over 400 of their local World War II Veterans to D.C.

More information as well as applications for Veterans and Guardians can be found on the website.
.

No related posts.