A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Second Honor Flight of the year taking area’s veterans to D.C. today to visit memorials


Opening Ceremonies of this morning's Honor Flight from CVG.

Opening Ceremonies of this morning’s Honor Flight from CVG.

Honor Flight Tri-State’s second flight of the year took off from CVG this morning, taking area veterans on a day-long trip to visit Washington DC to see the memorials dedicated to their service.

Girls Scouts greet participants traveling to Washington, D.C. for the  the May 17 honor flight from CVG Airport.

Girls Scouts from Cardinal Pacelli greet participants traveling to Washington, D.C. for the the May 17 honor flight from CVG Airport.

A total of 150 people will be on the American Airlines chartered flight, scheduled for departure at 8:00 a.m. Each veteran is accompanied by a guardian, 60 percent of the guardians are family and 40 percent of the guardians are volunteers. There is no cost to the veterans.

All flights include air fare, bus tour, a signature T-shirt, a name badge souvenir, three meals and assigned guardians. Today’s veterans also got a special baseball cap.

“Hosting these events is a privilege for CVG,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “Honoring our national heroes in such a unique way brings everyone in attendance a lot of joy. It is a great experience for all involved.”

Today’s flight is sponsored by the Honor Run Half Marathon.

Today’s flight will include visits to the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Iwo Jima, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the US Air Force Memorial and other Washington D.C. sights.

Cheryl Popp

Cheryl Popp

The return flight to CVG will arrive at 10:30 p.m. Members of the public are invited to attend the welcome celebration at the welcome point in the main terminal.

Cheryl Popp is Honor Flight director. She and Peter Bronson have published a book of “true stories of Honor Flight veterans,” Legacy of Courage which is ow on sale, with proceeds benefit the organization. It is available for sale at Honor Flight Tri-State.

Remaining 2016 Honor Flight Tri-State dates are:

• Tuesday, August 30, 2016
• Tuesday, September 20, 2016
• Tuesday, October 25, 2016

If you are interested in contributing or volunteering for Honor Flight Tri-State, please visit honorflighttristate.org.


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