Honor Flight flies veterans to recognition

It’s a journey that spans nearly 400 miles and aims to thank the men and women who were willing to sacrifice everything for their country more than 60 years ago.

Every year, Honor Flight Tri-State makes several trips from Cincinnati-Covington Airport to Washington, D.C., taking with them World War II veterans. In the less-than-two-day trip, the veterans are taken to their war memorial and recognized for their service.

“[In 2007] I had a wonderful experience, even tied with the war, and that was my Honor Flight trip to Washington,” said Herb Heilbrun, who, during World War II, was an airplane commander of a B-17.

During the war, Heilbrun went on 35 missions logging 262 combat hours with the 15th Air Force out of Italy. He was, at the time, escorted by the Tuskegee Airmen.

While in Washington, Heilbrun was able to spend time with one of the Airmen who escorted him during the war.

“It was really an outstanding, emotional situation to see that memorial,” he said. “… It was just a marvelous day.

Honor Flight, which is headquartered in Cincinnati, was founded in 2005. Since then, the now nationwide organization has taken more than 63,000 veterans – of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam – to their memorials. In the program’s first year, 157 veterans took the trip, according to the Honor Flight website.

Last year, more than 22,000 went to Washington with the Honor Flight.

The program’s growth happened quickly. In May, 2005, the first flights were done using six small planes. By August of that year, the small planes would no longer work and commercial airplanes were booked instead.

For veterans, the entire trip is free, which is made possible by donations. A guardian wishing to accompany a veteran must pay $350.

The flying season starts in May and lasts through October – although dates are not set in stone. Next year, Honor Flight Tri-State has five scheduled flights: May 1, June 12, Aug. 14, Sept. 25, and Oct. 30.

“To remember veterans who fought for their country is a wonderful thing,” Heilbrun said.

Do Good:

Donate: Flight for veterans are free, but they aren’t possible without donations. All donations are tax-deductible.

Sign up: Known a veteran? Sign them up for the program.

Give thanks: Saying “thank you” to a veteran is one of the simplest ways to show appreciation.

By Taylor Dungjen