10/21/2013

Oct. 21, 2013 — Seventy one Tristate veterans and their guardians will take an Honor Flight from CVG tomorrow, destined for Washington DC to view memorials and participate in ceremonies that honor their service to their country.

Honor Flight Tri-State is a non-profit organization with a mission to fly World War II and Korean War veterans to their memorials in Washington, D.C. at no cost. All veterans traveling on this flight are from the Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeastern Indiana area.

The October 22 flight operated by US Airways departs at 8 a.m. and is the fifth from CVG this year. It will include a full day of activities, with visits to the World War II memorial, Korean War memorial, Vietnam War memorial, Iwo Jima, and the US Air Force memorial, as well as other Washington D.C. sights.

“Our goal is to honor as many veterans as we can before it is too late,” said Cheryl Popp, director of Honor Flight Tri-State. "If you’d like to help send off the veterans, please come to the airport at 6 a.m. or be among the many locals welcoming them home at 10:00 p.m. later that day. Let’s make sure they know how much they are appreciated."

Beginning at 6 a.m., the flight’s departure will be preceded by bag pipes from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, an Honor Guard ceremony and other remarks near the security checkpoint. Kentucky State Representative Addia Wuchner will be on site to make a special presentation.

“This is the fifth and final honor flight this year and we are very fortunate to have a role in showing our nation’s true heroes how much their community appreciates their service to our country,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer at CVG. “We want to do everything we can on our end to make sure this is a day these brave men and women never forget.”

The next Honor Flight will be in Spring 2014. To contribute or volunteer for Honor Flight Tri-State, please visit www.honorflighttristate.org.