Quincy, IL: Korean War veterans being sought for honor flights to Washington

From Quincy Herald Whig: Korean War veterans being sought for honor flights to Washington Great River Honor Flight is gearing up to continue taking World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit the World War II Memorial, but it's also looking for Korean War veterans. Since October 2009, more than 300 World War II veterans have been flown to Washington to visit the memorial and other sites. Carlos Fernandez, chairman of Great River Honor Flight, said 40 Korean War veterans have already submitted applications. "There's been so much community support in honoring our veterans, and it just happened to be that we focused on World War II simply because of the age and the time situation," Fernandez said. "But when you think about, the Korean War was only five years later, and so there isn't that much of a different in ages. This just sees like a perfect next step to go along what has been a very successful program." Fernandez said the two trips scheduled for April 24 and May 22 will include World War II veterans, but he anticipates trips later in the year will include Korean War veterans. The organization is likely to have separate trips for World War II and Korean War veterans. "When they are all from the same war, I think it is a much more conducive to conversation and people that can relate to one another," Fernandez said. "It may happen, but right now it is not planned." Each flight consists of up to 35 veterans and 20 guardians assigned to assist the needs of each veteran and ensure them a memorable and enjoyable experience. Besides the World War II Memorial, the trip includes visits to the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Monument and the Marine Corps War Memorial. Veterans on the trip also witness the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. Costs of the one-day excursions vary from $350 to $500 per veteran depending on the cost of airfare. While veterans pay nothing, all guardians are expected to help cover their personal cost for the trip. For more information, including how to make a contribution or find an application, go to www.wgem.com/honorflight.