Annual Project/Fundraiser: Honor Flight DFW
Honor Flight DFW is a 501(c)(3) organization that was formed in 2008 for the purpose of traveling Dallas-Fort Worth area World War II Veterans to Washington D.C. to visit their memorial to, in some small way, repay and honor those brave men and women for their service and sacrifices.
Honor Flight DFW ‘s mission continues with veterans who served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and will follow with veterans of more current wars. All have given so much and deserve an opportunity to visit America’s “Thank You”s to show them that their efforts are not forgotten.
The two-day trip begins with a celebratory send-off which includes a presentation of colors and volunteers cheering and waving flags.
The group arrives in Washington D.C. to a hero’s welcome. Honor Flight volunteers, USO volunteers, local active duty military, and airport bystanders get involved in the action of welcoming the veterans to our nation’s capitol with music, applauds, and cheers.
Memorial visits includes the WWII Memorial, which opened in 2004 when the youngest of the WWII veterans were in their late seventies. The tour includes the Korean, Vietnam, and Lincoln Memorials. That evening, the veterans are honored with a banquet including honor guard, active military service personnel, and guest speakers.
The next day visits include Arlington National Cemetery and Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. They also visit the graveside of the America’s most decorated WWII solider, fellow Texan Audie Murphy. They tour the Marine Corps War Memorial, the Air Force Memorial, the Naval Memorial, and the FDR National Memorial. If there is inclement weather, the veterans tour the National Air and Space Museum and the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
On the plane ride home, the Honor Flight DFW veterans receive hand written thank you letters during “Mail Call”. At home, they are welcomed by cheering supporters, family members, friends, and volunteers. A few months after the trip, the Honor Flight DFW experience is celebrated with a reunion, where veterans are given mementos of their journey.
Each veteran’s two day visit to Washington D. C. cost about a $1,000, which covers plane fare, hotel accommodations, chartered bus fare, meals, and uniforms.
Honor Flight DFW is an all-volunteer organization with every donation going directly toward the group’s goal of taking veterans to Washington, D.C. The number of veterans who get to make the trip is solely dependent upon funding. More funds mean more veterans make the trip.
Honor Flight DFW’s goal is to raise $200,000 to fund four flights in 2020. There are currently 200+ veterans on the waiting list to take this most memorable trip.
Honor Flight DFW volunteer opportunities are abundant. Trained Guardians, who accompany each veteran and pay their own way, are needed. Medical volunteers are needed to assess the veterans health needs and assure that identified needs are met during the trip. Volunteers are needed to assist with fundraising efforts and writing letters for “Mail Call”. Volunteers are also needed to drive veterans to the airport, to reunions, fundraising events, celebrations. and much more.
For more information on Honor Flight DFW, visit http://www.HonorFlightDFW.org and their FaceBook page.
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