Dozens of World War Two veterans from Northeast Wisconsin are getting an opportunity to fly to Washington D.C. this month two view the World War Two Veterans Memorial Monument. And thanks to Old Glory Honor Flight, Incorporated, a part of National Honor Flight Network, those veterans will go for free. The trip is planned for next Tuesday, leaving from Appleton, and Waupaca County Veterans Service Director Jon Lidonne is hoping that more donations can help add flights in the spring.
The flights themselves cost about $75,000. To help offset that, guardians who go to assist the veterans are paying their own way.
One of the veterans from the Waupaca area is long time county board supervisor Bob Whitman, who served in the Navy from 1945 through 1948. His older brother was also in the Navy, but he was killed in action in 1945.
Whitman put his application in to travel with the Old Glory Honor Flight 14 months ago, but twice was bumped off flights so other veterans, with health concerns, could go. But on Tuesday, he’ll be on board, with about 100 veterans from Northeast Wisconsin, and 50 guardians.
Fundraising continues for the spring flights, and Lidonne says because of the age of these veterans, it’s important to meet this window of opprtunity. Fundraising continues for the honor flights, and you can find out how to help at http://www.oldgloryhonorflight.org/#, or by calling 1-888-6-FLY-VET.
WDUX’s Jack Barry submitted this report
AUDIO: Jack Barry reports (2:00 MP3)
