Every Honor Flight is a special and profound experience but Flight #54 achieved another level of uniqueness.
Honor Flight Austin has taken more than 2000 veterans since its inception but for the first time, the entire cadre of veterans was female and they represented multiple United States combat eras.
The all-female flight was planned in the spring of this year and notices went out to military and women’s organizations all over Central Texas. Thanks to consistent support from corporate and agency sponsors throughout the year, 43 women were able to make the expenses-paid trip to see the World War II, Korean and Vietnam Memorials and the two memorials specifically dedicated to women in combat.
One is The Women In Military Service For America Memorial, the only major national memorial honoring all women who have defended America throughout history beginning with the American Revolution. It is located at the ceremonial entrance to the Arlington National Cemetery and was opened to the public in Oct 1997.
The second monument is the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, which lies in a grove of trees just south of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The 15-foot tall bronze statue depicts three women caring for a wounded soldier. There were over 265,000 women — many of them nurses — who served in the Vietnam War.
Included in this group were Georgetown’s American Legion Post 174 Judge Advocate Marti Renger-Hopkins and member Marilyn Campbell.
Post Commander Frank Espinosa says his members loved the idea of being on the same flight together and they reported that the trip far exceeded their expectations. Espinosa added; “This was the first time I have been on a flight myself and it was a wonderful experience; interacting with the personnel from Honor Flight as well as enjoying the delight of all the veterans.”
Honor Flight Austin is committed to do whatever it takes to fulfill the dreams of veterans and help them travel absolutely free to visit their Memorial.
Honor Flight began as a means to enable World War II Veterans to visit their memorial in the Nation’s Capital as the site was so recently completed and so few of the Greatest Generation were unable to see it in their lifetimes.
The next flight, Nov 2 will honor African-American Community veterans.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 640 WWII veterans die each day. Sadly, many of our WWII Veterans will never have a chance to see their memorial. They ask supporters to help find as many willing and able WWII Veterans in the state of Texas and give them a chance to see their memorial.
Friends and family may nominate a Veteran for an Honor Flight by filling out a Veteran application at HonorFlightAustin.org
Anyone may apply to be volunteer or a guardian on a future Honor Flight. Guardians must be able to provide wheelchair support.
