WILMINGTON — Clinton County Honor Flight #2 is now preparing for takeoff — in April.
Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2016 were especially memorable for 81 of the county’s World War II, Korean and Vietnam veterans. The “thank you for your service” tribute began with a warm send-off by hundreds of area well-wishers the evening of the 30th, on Walnut Street in front of the Veterans Memorial, followed by the Clinton County Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. the next morning.
After the flight from Dayton to our nation’s capital, chartered buses met the veterans and transported them to the World War II Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, Arlington Cemetery, Air Force Museum, and other monuments and memorials dedicated in their honor. The jam-packed day, full of surprises and fun, was under the direction of the experienced staff and volunteers of Honor Flight Dayton.
Clinton County Honor Flight #1, sponsored by the two Wilmington Rotary Clubs, the county’s American Legion Posts, and the VFW, was an all-expense-paid experience of a lifetime for the veterans.
Now, the sponsors are promising the same for the participants of Honor Flight #2.
The generosity of the county’s residents and businesses that supported Flight #1 was so overwhelming that their contributions almost doubled the committee’s original goal — to sponsor 75 “Hometown Heroes.”
Without hesitation, the committee contacted Honor Flight Dayton and made arrangements for a second flight, and Clinton County Honor Flight #2 has been scheduled for April 29.
The only challenge facing the committee today is finding the World War II, Korean and Vietnam era veterans to fill the 55 seats reserved for Clinton County’s heroes.
Guardians are also needed for the April 29 flight — guardians join the flight to ensure the safety, well-being, and enjoyment of the veterans during their busy day in Washington. Guardians are responsible for donating a modest fee for their flight.
All eligible veterans and individuals interested in being a Guardian on the April 29 Clinton County Honor Flight should contact Richard James at 937-382-7871 or at [email protected]; Paul Butler at 937-283-5995 or at [email protected]; or Jack Powell at 937-725-3412 or at [email protected].
More details on any community events related to Honor Flight will be available later.
