submitted by Gail Smith
About a dozen interested veterans attended the information night on the Patriot Flight that will take place on May 10 (originally reported as May 3). Bill Schaaf and Danielle Havel from the organization brought with them all the information veterans and/or guardians needed to know. Bill began with three tear-jerking clips from the movie Honor Flight, which is a documentary based on an Honor Flight event that depicted what attendees might experience during their trip.
The sole purpose of Patriot Flights is to bring veterans to the Washington, DC, War Memorials, free of charge, for a day filled with honor, recognition, remembrance and memories. Their goal is to take as many World War II Veterans as possible, but they are also taking applications for Korean War Veterans and Guardsmen.
Patriot Flight has made 13 trips to Washington over the years, which are funded through donations by individuals and organizations. It is a life changing experience which Bill promised, besides a veteran’s wedding day and the day their children were born, would be the most memorable event of a veteran’s life. The only thing they’ll have to do is get up, get dressed and get themselves to Hoosick Falls Community Alliance Church, the departure location. Patriot Flight will take it all from there.
We were assured that the veterans’ personal comfort is of utmost importance and the only medical concern they will have will be facial muscle fatigue from smiling all day. That’s a good problem to have!
Seats are first come-first serve, so don’t delay. Cost for Guardsmen is $350. If you have any questions or would like an application, you can call Gail at 686-3269 or Bill Schaaf at 542-0609, stop in at the Hoosick Falls Community Alliance Church or visit patriotflight.com.