Honor Flight in The Villages

[F16 1UB]

On Saturday May 25 there were 50 of us, 25 WWII veterans & 25 guardians that went to Washington DC to tour the veteran war memorials. It was the most overwhelming & heart wrenching trip of my life. From the start & finish at the American Legion located at Rolling Acres & 466 to the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery. From police escorts, salutes from total strangers, hand shakes everywhere, hugs at the airports, hugs from the tens of thousands of bikers with Rolling Thunder, kisses from total strangers, and tears from many. Even the TSA folks upon returning to Orlando ALL saluted the veterans with applause & cheering. 150 Legacy of Leesburg residents on route 27 stood by their entrance waving banners & flags CHEERING at 10 PM. Police escort with The Village Nomads leading us back to the American Legion.....

Letters from YOU received by the veterans were VERY moving. Some from friends & family.... many from total strangers. Thanks to those who sent them. It is with tears in my eyes that I say to all that I was blessed to have the opportunity to be a guardian for Village resident Mr. Paul Johnson.

If you're interested in participating as a guardian with the Honor Flight they are always in need. This is a national organization and The Villages has a local chapter. They may be contacted at 352.432.1382.
Villages Honor Flight Network (http://www.villageshonorflight.org).

[villages07]

Wow, what an experience F16...for you as a career military man as well as your honored WWII vet. And, to do it on a special weekend like Memorial Day. That Rolling Thunder motorcycle procession can be awesome.

Good for you, the WWII vets, and all those who contributed to make it possible.

[mac9]

There is a show on June 6 @ The Church on the Square to benefit Honor Flight. The performers are Billie Thatcher and the Dorels. The performers are not accepting pay for this show so that all of the proceeds go to Honor Flight. Tickets are on sale at the Villages Box Office.

[buggyone]

Are these honor flights a one day event? I figure that the WWII vets are in their 90's (or darn close to it). The early rising, early departure from Orlando (I presume), 2.5 hour flight, bus tour to WWII Memorial and other sights, and flight back to Orlando and trip to The Villages. This makes for a very long and tiring day for these guys, doesn't it? I realize they are glad to be honored like this.

Do the guardians pay their own expenses and about how much is it?

[Rebel Pirate]

Are these honor flights a one day event? I figure that the WWII vets are in their 90's (or darn close to it). The early rising, early departure from Orlando (I presume), 2.5 hour flight, bus tour to WWII Memorial and other sights, and flight back to Orlando and trip to The Villages. This makes for a very long and tiring day for these guys, doesn't it? I realize they are glad to be honored like this.

Do the guardians pay their own expenses and about how much is it?

I live in the Washington, DC metro area and have acted as an escort three times in the past. These are one day events and yes, these are very long days for the Veterans. But, we've had flights from at least as far as Denver...more than twice as far as TVFL...and I believe there have been flights from Arizona and California. The trips are long indeed...but the Vets can sleep (if they are able) on the flights to/from WashDC...and everyone of them (including those with Alzheimers) understand that they've had a very special experience.

I wasn't aware that there was a TVFL chapter for honor flights, but now that I do we'll make a special effort to reach out and serve as escorts here on the ground in Washington.

[ajbrown]

Wonderful post F16. I could feel the emotion come through in your words. Thanks for sharing.

[NECHFalcon68]

Are these honor flights a one day event? I figure that the WWII vets are in their 90's (or darn close to it). The early rising, early departure from Orlando (I presume), 2.5 hour flight, bus tour to WWII Memorial and other sights, and flight back to Orlando and trip to The Villages. This makes for a very long and tiring day for these guys, doesn't it? I realize they are glad to be honored like this.

Do the guardians pay their own expenses and about how much is it?

I served as a Guardian last year. We met at the American Legion at 4AM, and returned around 11PM. Most of vets are escorted via the wheelchairs provided by the organization. Guardians do make a monetary contribution, in effect, paying for our flight. It was $400 at that time.
BTW did not hear ANYONE complain about it being a long day.....

[jtdraig]

I served as a Guardian last year. We met at the American Legion at 4AM, and returned around 11PM. Most of vets are escorted via the wheelchairs provided by the organization. Guardians do make a monetary contribution, in effect, paying for our flight. It was $400 at that time.
BTW did not hear ANYONE complain about it being a long day.....

I will be serving as a guardian on the 8 September flight. I expect to pay $400. I can't wait to take one of these guys on that trip. Everyone who has taken it is touched for life.