Honor Flight open for Vietnam vets

Published 2:04 am Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Veteran CJ Faulk and daughter Sheila McElwain at last year’s honor flight.

Veteran CJ Faulk and daughter Sheila McElwain at last year’s honor flight.

The Covington Regional Honor Flight is set to fly again in May and organizers are looking for World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans to take part in the trip.

This is the seventh flight the organization has organized.

The program takes veterans, free of charge, to Washington, D.C., for the day, where they will visit sites such as the World War II memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the Korean and Vietnam memorials.

CRHF chairperson Kendra Majors said that priority will be to transport any remaining World War II veterans who have not previously traveled with the organization and also fly Korean and Vietnam veterans.

There are 54 total seats available on the trip, with seats open for around 34 veterans and some 20 guardians and staff.

Majors encouraged veterans and guardians to get their applications in early due to the limited seating.

The cost for guardians will be around $550, she said.

“We will travel to Atlanta and fly to Reagan National Airport, and the trip usually lasts at least 24 hours,” she said. “We are excited. It’s definitely a long, but rewarding day. We already have a few applications coming in from all over the state.”

Fundraising is currently under way for the annual trip, which is tentatively set for May 6.

“There are several ways for individuals to help,” she said. “Our local civic organizations, municipalities, businesses, churches and individuals have really stepped up to the plate in the past to help us honor of veterans through this trip, and we couldn’t do it without them.”

There will also be opportunities to provide goody bags for Honor Flight participants to use the day of the trip.

Those wanting to know more about the program, may contact Majors and a board member will be happy to provide more information to civic clubs, churches and more.

For more information, call 334-222-2402 or email kendramajors@gmail.com.