Pensacola, Fl (January 25, 2008) - The Board of Directors for Emerald Coast Honor Flight recently met and announced that on April 30, 2008, 100 World War II veterans from the First Congressional District will be taken, free of charge, to Washington D.C. to see their World War II memorial.
Spearheaded by Congressman Jeff Miller, Emerald Coast Honor Flight, a non-profit volunteer organization comprised of regional business leaders, active and retired military personnel, was created to honor our local World War II veterans. Emerald Coast Honor Flight is organizing a one-day trip to Washington, DC, to give these brave men and women the opportunity to visit their World War II Memorial for the first time.
The World War II Memorial was completed 60 years after the end of the war, and for many it was too late. Our World War II veterans deserve to see their memorial, and Emerald Coast Honor Flight is faced with the very real challenge of getting these heroes to their memorial in time. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs and Arlington National Cemetery statistics we are losing approximately 1,200 World War II veterans each day. Thousands are on waiting list for various honor flights around the country and Emerald Coast Honor Flight is asking the public for your support to help make the dreams of our World War II veterans come true.
Currently, Emerald Coast Honor Flight is accepting applications from World War II veterans who reside in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Washington, and Holmes counties. Top priority will be given to senior World War II veterans and those other veterans that may be terminally ill. Applications may be obtained on-line at www.emeraldcoasthonorflight.com or by visiting Baptist Hospital’s Senior Services Program located at 1301 West Moreno Street, Pensacola, FL 32501. The Senior Service office has volunteers able to assist veterans complete the application. Applications must be received by March 1, 2008 for consideration.
Space is limited, consequently spouses or other family members will not be able to accompany the veteran. Emerald Coast Honor Flight will provide ample volunteers and guardians to assist with all phases of the trip. Information on how to volunteer or attend as a guardian can be found on the Emerald Coast Honor Flight website. However, it is important to note, guardians must pay their own way.
This trip is made possible by the generous donations from individuals and corporate sponsors so there is absolutely no cost for the veteran to travel. Platinum sponsors, Baptist Health Care and Humana Veterans Healthcare Services have already committed to making this dream come true. Individual and corporate sponsorships are still needed. Donations may be mailed to: Marine Corps League Honor Flight, PO Box 86, Pensacola, FL 32591-0086.
To volunteer or obtain more information, please visit our website at www.emeraldcoasthonorflight.com.
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