Milestone Achievement: 250,000 Veterans’ Service To Nation Recognized Thanks to Honor Flight Network

Earlier this month, Honor Flight Network (HFN) achieved a milestone since the history of its operation by flying its 250,000^th veteran to our nation’s capital in Washington D.C. to visit the memorials and monuments dedicated to honoring their service and sacrifice. The ‘Network’ was formed in 2005 to transport our veterans, originally those from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and other operations, including, in special cases, veterans with terminal illness/injury, and later the veterans from recent service engagements.

The HFN has two areas of operation: Lone Eagle Honor Flight and the TLC (Their Last Chance) program. The Lone Eagle branch has a network of about 130 hubs scattered across the USA, and works to ensure that veterans who are 120 miles away from a hub, prioritizes honorees in order of WWII, Korea, Vietnam (according to first date of service), places them on a wait list, and notifies them when their name is up. While the veteran (who should be able to travel) flies for free, the guardian/caregiver who is required to accompany the veteran provides a $500 donation to cover some of their transportation, meals, and lodging. 

On the other hand, the TLC branch is intended for honorees who have served (regardless of duration), are facing a terminal illness with a life expectancy of 12 months or less. The TLC’s receive priority handling, and are permitted to make the trip, provided they are accompanied by a guardian/caregiver who is trained, competent, and experienced to provide the necessary care to their ward.

Money makes airplanes fly, and numerous sponsors have contributed/sponsored to help HFN provide transportation, lodging, and meal services to make the mission possible.

FMI: https://honorflight.org