World War II veterans in the area now have an opportunity to visit their WWII memorial for free -- thanks to the donors to the West Georgia Honor Flight Fund.  The Fund at the Community Foundation makes it possible for tax-deductible donations to be made in support of the flights.  Businesses and individuals can contribute to the Fund to ensure that all deserving veterans can take part in this memorable event.

"The West Georgia Honor Flight honors our area's WWII veterans by flying them to Washington, D.C., to reflect at their WWII Memorial for a one-day free visit," commented Royce Ard, General Manager of Knology of Columbus and a member of the West Georgia Honor Flight Board of Directors.  "The first flight took place on September 22 and was a huge success!  Honor flight will do whatever it takes to provide a meaningful, honor-filled day for our veterans.  Very importantly, our senior heroes travel absolutely free."

The effort -- which includes training volunteer "guardians;" chartering an airline; and renting accessible tour buses, wheelchairs, etc. -- costs approximately $68,000 per flight.  WWII veterans fly first-come, first-served as funds are raised for each flight.  Terminally ill veterans and veterans over 90 will have top priority.  All plans are completely coordinated through the national Honor Flight Network.

Currently the program is scrambling to raise at least $35,000 to trigger the most generous matching donation pledged by Dan and Kathelen Amos.  The Amoses, touched by a recent trip to Normandy, stepped forward to help make sure that area WWII veterans get the chance to see their memorial.  They'll match donations 1:1 up to $35,000, which should give us enough to fund our next two scheduled flights.

The West Georgia Honor Flight's fourth and fifth flights will take place on September 14 and 21, 2010.  We are currently accepting applications for veterans and guardians.  Once the flights are full those on the waiting list will be first on the list for the next flight. 

We travel with heroes like Charles Maupin of Columbus, who landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day Plus One, June 7, 1944.  Mr. Maupin told his story in the Wesleyan Christian Advocate in November 1995; it can be downloaded below.  We're honored beyond words that he'll travel with us on September 22!

Veterans sign-forms and applications for guardians and other volunteers can be downloaded here.  Donations can be made online, by phone at 706-320-0027, or by sending a check to:

     The West Georgia Honor Flight Fund
     c/o The Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley, Inc.
     1340 13th Street
     Columbus, GA  31901-2345

For more information, click here or contact 706-507-WWII (9944).  You may also enjoy a short video about the first flight.  Join us for future flights!