It won’t be long before another group of veterans take flight to see monuments in their honor in Washington, D.C., as part of the Honor Flight
It’s only been a couple of years since the program has reached Bradford, and, thanks to the Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight program — and the kindness of the community, regular groups of area veterans have been able to take the unforgettable journey.
The next journey is set for May 4.
“As always, World War II vets are given top priority along with veterans of other wars whose health issues may warrant a high priority placement,” said Nancy Fire, who first advocated to have the program brought to the Bradford area.
She added that veterans of other wars will be permitted as seating is available.
Through the program, veterans are flown for free to Washington, D.C., to see monuments and be honored for their service to the nation. Organizers take special efforts to ensure each participant feels appreciated.
Since Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight has made its way into Pennsylvania, it has accepted passengers from both McKean and Potter counties. The organization will now accept Warren veterans, too.
“Our hope is to have a minimum of 20 veterans from your area on this trip,” said Tom Petrie, president of Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight. “Plans are underway for us to provide a bus to come down to Bradford to bring them as a group to Buffalo.”
Organizers need help from the community to find good candidates to make the trip.
“The community can help by spreading the word to local veterans through their various community organizations, church groups or workplace,” said Fire.
As part of the recognition of veterans, people always gather at the airport to greet the honorees as they prepare to make the trip.
“Members of the HUB would come down to Bradford for the send-off ceremony and parade,” Petrie noted.
Each veteran has a guardian — a relative, friend or volunteer — along to provide aid and company. While the veterans fly for free, guardians are responsible for their own expenses.
Fire suggested volunteering as a guardian is a good way for family members to support the program.
Medical personnel are brought on the trip, too.
Fire encourages eligible veterans to apply early, which they can do by contacting her at 814-362-2482 or Bradford Area School District Superintendent Katharine Pude at 814-362-3841.
The Bradford Area School District has helped organize local Honor Flight happenings since the program made its way to McKean County.
If people contact Fire or Pude, “We can help them obtain an application for themselves and their guardian,” said Fire.
She added that if their technology skills allow, people can download applications directly from the Buffalo Hub website: http://www.buffaloniagarahonorflight.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.display&page_id=24
For Warren County veterans, the Warren County School District is also supporting the program.
The most recent local Honor Flight began Oct. 19, when Pennsylvania veterans made their way to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport for the Oct. 20 flight to Washington, D.C.
