Southern Illinois Honor Flight established

Veterans who reside in Southern Illinois will be able - for free - to visit the national memorials honoring their service.

The Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois was recently added to the Honor Flight Network, a nation-wide program that provides all veterans who apply with a free trip to Washington D.C. to visit the memorials that commemorate their service and sacrifice.

Administrative Assistant with the Williamson County Regional Airport Hope Patterson said, "It's our way to honor them." According to Patterson, the Williamson County Regional Airport previously hosted the Effingham chapter of The Veterans Honor Flight, until the group disbanded. Officials at the airport then applied to become a member of the group, and were recently approved. "It's a great service to provide," Patterson said.

Based out of the regional airport, the service would work by having veterans or their family members sign up to participate in a flight to Washington D.C. Passengers would be determined on a priority basis - World War II veterans, or veterans with a terminal illness would be at the top of the list, followed by Korean War veterans, and then Vietnam War veterans- but all veterans are welcome to apply,. Trips are one-day in length, with veterans and volunteer guardians boarding the plane in the morning, and returning that night. As the Williamson County Regional Airport does not travel nationwide, the group is currently communicating with various charter planes and airlines.

The new organization is also looking for guardians for flights. A guardian is a volunteer who accompanies the veterans on the trip, to ensure that they have a safe and comfortable day. Guardians are also expected to pay their way for each flight.

The new group is currently looking for donations, veterans, volunteers, and guardians for their first flight, which is scheduled for Fall 2016. Those looking to register can visit www.veteranshonorflight.org, or return a paper application to their office at the regional airport. Those looking to donate to the group can visit their website, office, or any Peoples National Bank location throughout Southern Illinois.