The 14th Honor Flight of Southern Indiana is set for take-off this Saturday, and organizers need volunteers to assist the veterans and their families before and after the trip.

What is Honor Flight of Southern Indiana?

Honor Flight of Southern Indiana is part of a network of Honor Flights that take place around the country each year. The flights are "dedicated to honoring America's senior veterans for all of their sacrifices by transporting them to Washington, DC to visit their memorials free of charge." Passengers include veterans of World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well as those who served in Lebanon, Grenada, and other conflicts.

Here's an interview Shelly Kirk, with our media partners at Eyewitness News, conducted with flight director, Chuck Sallee ahead of the Fall 2022 Honor Flight that explains in more detail what the flight is, how it works, and the impact it has on the veterans who take part in it.

Honor Flight of Southern Indiana in Need of Parking Lot and Shuttle Volunteers

With an undertaking the size of this, organizers are in need of volunteers to help make the day go as smoothly as possible for the veterans and their families. The organization is currently asking for volunteers to help with assisting the veterans and their families in the parking lot of Evansville Regional Airport as many have difficulty walking long distances due to a variety of reasons.

Volunteers are also needed to collect donations to help fund the next flight which will take place in the Fall. Those volunteers will ride on the shuttles taking members of the public like you and me to the airport to send the veterans on their way and welcome them back home once they return. According to the Honor Flight website, it takes "roughly $42,500 per flight" to cover the travel expenses.

Honor Flight Southern Indiana on Facebook
Honor Flight Southern Indiana on Facebook
loading...

If you, your family and friends, or a church or organization you're a member of are interested in helping out, e-mail Honor Flight at volunteershfsi@gmail.com.

Be Part of the Honor Flight Welcome Home Parade

For many of the veterans on the flight, there was little-to-no fanfare when they returned home from their tour of duty. The Honor Flight gives them that fanfare after each flight with a welcome home parade made up of people like you and me. If you'd like to be a part of it, parking will be available at Anchor Industries near the airport on Highway 41 with shuttles to the airport beginning at 6:00 PM. The flight is expected to land at 7:15 with the parade scheduled to start roughly 30 minutes later around 7:45. Organizers encourage you to bring American flags and signs to give the vets a well-deserved welcome back. They also ask you to follow their Facebook page for any and all updates they may be announced.

[Source: Honor Flight of Southern Indiana on Facebook]

LOOK: 100 years of American military history

More From WGBF-FM