OZARK — With donations and volunteer commitments from local communities, Wiregrass World War II veterans are expected to experience what other veterans have throughout the nation.
The Wiregrass Honor Flight Hub has been organized to sponsor Wiregrass Honor Flight, which flies the veterans to the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C., free of charge.
Ozark City appointee Earl Hyers said community doctors and residents are volunteering to participate, while the committee is still seeking sponsorship from local businesses and officials for the flight.
Hyers said the group plans to take Miami Air flight 737-800 to D.C. The flight holds about 170 passengers and costs a total of $50,595.11.
The Ozark City Council approved authorizing up to $5,000 to the project for public purpose.
Officials said cities, including Dothan, Enterprise and Eufaula, had also agreed to monetarily supporting the project.
“The sad part is we’re losing these great veterans at a rate of about 1,000 a day, so we’re running on a fine timeline. We haven’t even gone out formally with this information, but we’ve already received at least nine,” Hyers said.
“This is something. We owe a debt of gratitude to these men and women because of their sacrifices.”
Hyers said he hopes 60 veterans in Dale County alone will join in on the flight.
The first honor flight is set for May 9.
Veterans are expected to be accepted for the flight on a first-come, first-serve application basis and on health urgency.
“This project is not going to last long. We’ve got to do it now, or we’re not going to be able to,” committee member Tom Parker said.
“This is one of our last shots in showing our appreciation to the greatest generation we know.”
City Council member Joe Outlaw challenged others to donate to the project.
“I been up there several times, and I hope our veterans get to go. I pledged $500 to it when I first heard about it, and I’d be happy to be one of those on that plane,” he said.
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