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NCR members show Honor Flight veterans warm welcome

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Susan Moreno
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
WASHINGTON, D.C. --  More than 200 military members from the National Capital Region welcomed 256 World War II Honor Flight veterans and volunteer guardians March 10 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Since May 2005, HFN has transported more than 36,000 World War II, Korea and Viet Nam veterans to Washington, D.C., for a one-day trip that includes sightseeing at all of the memorials built in honor of the veterans. The trip is at no-cost to the vets.

As the veterans emerged from the gate at Reagan, they were greeted by cheers from the crowd that had gathered to welcome them, handshakes, the flashing lights of cameras, and the sounds of each branch's service song being played by a five-piece band.

"It's not just being here to thank the World War II veterans for their service, but to learn from them with the stories they have to tell," said Tech. Sgt. Jill Manson, enlisted aide to the deputy of Air Force acquisitions. "One day, about 50 years from now, perhaps it will be my successors doing the same for me."

For more information about the Honor Flight Network or to volunteer, visit http://www.honorflight.org.