The A.M. and Noon Rotary Clubs of Wilmington appreciate the sacrifices made by the U.S. Military in defense of liberty. A spokesman for the clubs stated, “We, as Americans, and especially Clinton County residents, owe our safety, national pride, and way of life to these veterans.” To that end announced their sponsorship of an “Honor Flight” this fall for Clinton County’s World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans.

Working with American Legion Post 49 in Wilmington and Post 179 in Blanchester, Wilmington VFW Post 6710, and the Clinton County Veterans Service Commission, the organizations are looking to fill 75 seats for the all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. The non-profit “Honor Flight Dayton” conducts several of these special trips honoring our country’s war veterans each spring and fall from Dayton International Airport and will be handling the arrangements for the Clinton County group.

Upon arrival in Washington, the veterans will board comfortable, handicap-accessible, chartered buses for a full day touring our nation’s capital. The schedule includes visits to the World War II Memorial, Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima), Korean War Veterans Memorial, Navy Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Air Force Memorial, and Arlington National Cemetery, including the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Honor Flight Dayton also coordinates many other activities during and in conjunction with the trip, including lunch and snacks. Experienced staff members from the Dayton-based organization act as tour guides and provide guardians, wheel chairs, etc. for any veteran requiring assistance.

Eligible veterans may obtain an application and/or additional information by contacting Richard James at [email protected] or (937) 218-6003 or Paul Butler at [email protected] or (937) 283-5995, or the Clinton County Veterans Service Commission office, 43 S. Walnut St., Wilmington, OH 45177. Anyone interested in accompanying the veterans as a guardian may also obtain an application from James or Butler.

If you would like to sponsor a veteran or donate to this worthwhile project, contact Jack Powell at (937) 655-7173, or e-mail [email protected].