Free Flight to visit National WWII Memorial
At the February meeting, President Stephens introduced Jim Tayon and Harvey Brewer of Franklin County Honor Flight, Inc. This non-profit organization is dedicated to providing free one-day trips to the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. Top priority is given to World War II Veterans and terminally ill veterans from all wars.
These one-day visits are scheduled to depart about 7:00 am from Lambert Field and return at approximately 8:30 pm the same day. Participating veterans pay nothing for the trip itself which includes a box lunch upon arrival in our Nation's Capitol and dinner at Old Country Buffet prior to returning to St. Louis. Souvenirs, if desired, would be the veteran's only expense.
Time permitting, memorials from the Korean War, Vietnam War and the Lincoln Memorial may also be visited.
Currently, Chapter members are planning a flight for Wednesday, September 17. Each flight can transport a maximum of 56 people. Note that provisions will be made for veterans requiring oxygen or wheelchairs. We would like to get our group on the same flight if possible. view & print application You may send your application to Harold Mueller.
According to Jim Tayon, Franklin County Honor Flight Board Member, an Airbus A320 has been reserved for the one-day trip to Washington DC. Specifics about the trip will become available at the Gateway Chapter monthly meetings as the departure date draws closer.
For more information, contact Jim Tayon at jim.tayon@sbcglobal.net or Harold Mueller (314) 631-5350.
The Franklin County Honor Flight recognizes American Veterans for your sacrifices and achievements by flying you to Washington, DC to see YOUR national memorial at no cost to you. Additional information about this organization is available on their website at www.franklincountyhonorflight.org
High School Students and Parents Serve as WWII Guardians A key element that makes these trips work effectively is providing suitable escorts for the Veterans. Veterans are escorted by “Guardians” whose role is to make the trip safe and memorable for the Veterans. Guardians pay their own way. The cost for airfare, chartered bus, lunch, dinner and a T-Shirt is $300 payable to Franklin County Honor Flight, which acquires the airline tickets and makes all arrangements.
Guardians come from all walks of life. For example, Guardians can be non-WWII Veterans, teachers, high school students, Girl and Boy Scouts, professional fire fighters, police officers, doctors, nurses, etc. Being a Guardian on one of these trips can be a life-changing experience! If you think you'd like to be a Guardian on one of the upcoming trips contact Jim Tayon of the Franklin County Honor Flight group.