Jim McGhee gets a little choked up when he talks about his experience with Wiregrass Honor Flight.
The organization was formed earlier this year for the purpose of raising money to fly World War II veterans to Washington, DC, to visit the World War II memorial.
McGhee, who serves on the board as the director of communications, said he has been overwhelmed by the generosity of fellow veterans who have been willing to sacrifice during difficult economic times to donate money to send others to Washington.
“I’ve had people call, some World War II veterans and some just other veterans, who tell me they may be able to give only $5 or $10, but they want to give something to help our veterans get to Washington,” McGhee said. “That just touches my heart. You know many of them are probably having to do without something in order to give the money, but it means that much to them.”
The Honor Flight board has set a fundraising goal of $120,000 to fund two Wiregrass Honor Flights. The first is set for May 9 and the second will be held in September. The board met Monday and is continuing to solicit donations, as well as applications from World War II veterans interested in going on the flight. Guardians and volunteers are also needed to accompany the veterans.
The initial Wiregrass Honor Flight is expected to carry 90 veterans and many guardians. They will arrive in Washington and be transported by bus to the World War II Memorial. A tour of Arlington National Cemetery is planned as well. If time allows, the group will visit the Vietnam and Korean War memorials.
Applications for veterans, guardians and volunteers are still being accepted and can be picked up at the city halls and chambers of commerce in Dothan, Enterprise, Ozark and Eufaula. Applications can also be downloaded at www.wiregrasshonorflight.org.
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For more information on how to apply or donate funds for the Wiregrass Honor Flight:
Dothan: 334-791-5749
Enterprise: 334-447-9179
Ozark: 334-774-0961
Eufaula: 334-695-1580
http://www.wiregrasshonorflight.org
http://www.honorflight.org
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