Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Honor Flight Fayette Gears Up for 4th DC Trip In May

Honor Flight Fayette guardian Nancy Romans with her vets for the day (l-r) James D. Burch and Joseph W. Stevens

May 4th will mark the 4th time Honor Flight Fayette has taken World War II veterans to Washington D.C. to visit their memorial, for a total of around 280 veterans since the first trip last May.

Honor Flight Fayette, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, exists solely to raise the funds to make these trips possible at no cost to the veterans. In fact, HFF pays for the airfare, 3 meals, motor coaches in D.C., t-shirts and hardcover books on the memorial. The veterans are only allowed to pay for souvenirs.

Guardians go with the veterans, usually 2 veterans with each guardian, as well as a doctor and medical staff to insure their safety and comfort.

Time is of the essence for this project because we are losing these brave men and women at a rate of 1,400 per day. And, obviously, we owe members of the Greatest Generation a debt of gratitude that cannot be delayed.

After each of the previous 3 trips to the memorial veterans could not believe how generous people had been to send them to D.C. and were overwhelmed during the day when total strangers would clap, wave flags and approach them to say "thank you for the life I have today".

Tears were often running down cheeks because these men and women are a humble group who felt they simply did the job Uncle Sam called them to do. There were few parades when they returned to find civilian jobs and begin new lives, and they truly do not understand the "fuss" that is made over them for the entire day, but they were grateful.

Honor Flight Fayette is staffed only by volunteers, including a board of directors to guide it and keep it on track and be good stewards of the donations which they receive so they can take as many veterans as possible to D.C.

If you would like to know more about Honor Flight Fayette, be a guardian or volunteer or wish to make a donation please check honorflightfayette.org or call 770-719-1024.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter: @GAFrontPage

No comments: