Honor Flight is a non-profit organization dedicated to transporting veterans to Washington DC to visit the many memorials representing their service to our country.  Currently World War II , Korean War and terminally ill vets from later wars are eligible to participate in this trip which is provided without any cost to the vets.

US World War II vets are dying at an estimated rate of 640 per day!

Kelley departed yesterday with the Denver Honor Flight escorting 12 WWII (including a female Navy Chief) and 16 Korean War Vets for a a 3 day visit to monuments created in their honor located in Washington DC.  This is Kelley’s 2nd trip this year as she was also selected as a guardian for a trip earlier this year.

During this trip these deserving veterans representing what is likely our county’s greatest generation are shown the dignity and respect they deserve throughout their visit.

TSA and the airlines provide priority screening and boarding.  The Baltimore airport fire department welcomes them with a water cannon salute over the arriving flight.  Active military and other veteran support groups greet both the fight arrival in Baltimore and and the return flight.

While visiting the monuments and Arlington Cemetery they are provided with VIP seating for all events occurring during their visit.

Veterans (red shirts) waiting for their departing flight.

Ceremony placing wreath at the Lone Sailor Statue.  In attendance and placing the wreath was retired Rear Admiral Robert Shumaker a Vietnam War POW for 8 years at the Hanoi Hilton.   He along with other POWs are credited with the development of a secret code POWs used to communicate through the thick walls of the Hanoi Hilton prison.  The book “Defiant” is based on the story of these POWs.

http://honorflight.org for additional information on Honor Flight.

While I am having a great ride Kelley and a lot of other people are taking care of what is really important in life.  THANKS ALL!