WEBSTER COUNTY, KY (11/28/12) – Recently Webster County Resident Regina Melton traveled with her father Thomas Lovett to Washington D.C. This trip was not just a pleasure trip, it was part of a program known as “Honor Flight Network”.

Honor Flight Network is a Springfield, Ohio-based organization founded in April of 2005. Their goal is simple: to fly US veterans to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials that stand in their honor, free of charge.

Veterans are chosen for the trip on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to WWII veterans and veterans with a terminal illness, but all veterans are encouraged to apply. The trip is all in one day, spending several hours at the World War II Memorial, and visiting other Washington D.C. landmarks such as the Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Wall, Lincoln Memorial, the Marine Corps War Memorial and others as time permits.

“America owes a debt of gratitude to the sixteen and a half million World War II veterans who, without a doubt, saved the world,” said Honor Flight Network spokesman Senator Bob Dole. “Those in their 80’s and 90’s lack the means to visit the WWII Memorial that honors their sacrifice. Every week the Honor Flight Network flies vets free of charge, to Washington to see the memorial erected in their honor.”

Lovett, a resident of Murray, flew to Washington D.C . out of Louisville, KY.

In Kentucky, Honor Flight Bluegrass flies out of Louisville International-Standiford Field in Middletown, KY. The contact person with the Bluegrass program is Brian J. Duffy 502-550-3093.

Nearby is also Music City Honor Flight out of Nashville, TN. Barbara and Gary Drennon can be reached at 615-883-8185.
 
Matt Hughes
J-E News Editor

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