A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Tri-State Honor Flight takes off from CVG, 65 veterans to spend the day in Washington D. C., return tonight


The latest Honor Flight took off from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) this morning, destined for Washington D.C.

The flight included 65 Tri-State veterans (17 Korean, 18 Cold War, 29 Vietnam and 1 Berlin Crisis) and their guardians who will spend the day in the nation’s capital. Four of the Vietnam veterans are brothers.

While there, the group will visit memorials and participate in ceremonies that honor their service to their country.

Honor Flight Tri-State’s sole mission is to fly veterans 65 and over, who served stateside or overseas, to their memorials in Washington, D.C. at no cost. All veterans traveling on this flight are from the Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and South Eastern Indiana area.

“Our goal is to honor as many veterans as we can,” said Cheryl Popp, director of Honor Flight Tri-State.

The flight departed CVG at 7:30 a.m. It was preceded by bag pipes from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, a TSA color guard ceremony and other special remarks.

McGraw

The trip 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.

“These events are always so touching and unique to witness,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “We feel privileged to assist with such a special program honoring the veterans in our region.”

The return flight to CVG will arrive at 8:15 p.m. tonight (Tuesday). Members of the public are invited to attend the welcome celebration at the welcome point in the main terminal.

A total of 149 people will be on the American Airlines chartered flight. Each veteran is accompanied by a guardian, 80 percent of the guardians are family and 20 percent of the guardians are volunteers.

This is the third of six Honor Flights this year. Other flight dates are:

  • September 25
  • October 3
  • October 23

To contribute or volunteer for Honor Flight Tri-State, please visit honorflighttristate.org.

Honor Flight Tri-State


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