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Press Release

For Immediate Release
May 8, 2008
Contact: Sean C. Bonyun
(202) 225-3761

Upton Welcomes Michigan WWII Vets to Nation’s Capital on 63rd Anniversary of V-E Day
Sturgis community came together to send the veterans on an “Honor Flight” to Washington to visit the National WWII Memorial on 63rd anniversary of Victory in Europe Day

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph), the son of a WWII veteran, today welcomed 15 World War II veterans from Sturgis participating in an “honor flight” to the nation’s capital.  Residents of Sturgis and surrounding communities teamed up with Riley Aviation to enable local members of the “Greatest Generation” to travel to Washington for the day to visit the newly erected World War II Memorial on the National Mall.

“This is truly a heartwarming tale of the Sturgis community coming together to honor their heroes from the ‘Greatest Generation,’ ” said Upton.  “Our world would be a much different place were it not for the sacrifices and contributions of these courageous veterans.  In the prime of their youth, they left their loved ones behind and traveled across oceans and continents in the name of freedom and liberty.  We are all grateful for their service – they are a national treasure.”

Since the memorial’s dedication in 2004, honor flights have become an increasingly popular opportunity for veterans across the country to visit the memorial with their brethren and remember their collective experiences.  Today’s honor flight was provided at no cost to the WWII vets.  They traveled in four privately owned planes, landing in Leesburg, Virginia and then caravanned to the U.S. Capitol building before visiting the WWII Memorial.  In addition to a benefit fish fry held May 2nd at the Sturgis Elks Club, funds to pay for the honor flight were raised by private donations.  Many of the volunteers, including several of the pilots, are employees of Riley Aviation.

“Everyone has been so friendly.  We were just doing our job.  We were in our twenties and are so grateful for everyone who made it possible for us to come to Washington.  It has been great to get together with my old friends and to make some new ones on this trip,” said Sturgis WWII veteran Paul Watters who piloted an F6F Hellcat in the Pacific conflict.
 
“I don’t have the words to describe it, it is such an emotional experience,” said Lori Summey of Riley aviation who coordinated the Honor Flight.  The volunteer pilots were equally moved.  John Geary of Elkhart commented, “It is wonderful to be part of these veterans’ experience and to see their energy and enthusiasm.  I am just thankful to be a part of the honor flight.”  Pilot Wade Wolf from Constantine added, “This was the most exciting, eye opening flight of my life.  I love to hear all of the vets’ stories.” 

When asked how the trip was going, Sturgis veteran Lloyd DeFord responded, “Wonderful! Wonderful!  This trip is a good thing.  I don’t think hardly any of us have been here (to Washington).”  Mr. DeFord turned 90 years old on May 3.  He crewed fighter planes and was stationed in Panama, Ecuador, and the South Pacific right after Pearl Harbor was attacked.  He was overseas for 5 years and was standing just 20 yards away from where the Japanese officially surrendered.

The Sturgis honor flight coincides with the 10th Annual National Military Appreciation Month, a month long opportunity to pay tribute to all military personnel – those who have served throughout our nation’s history, and those who are now across the globe in combat.

Contact for Riley Aviation’s Lori Summey, trip coordinator: 269-625-1656

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