November is a time to give thanks, especially to military veterans who have ensured our country’s freedom and safety. Honor Flight Dayton is an organization dedicated to honoring veterans with deep appreciation for their sacrifices and service.
Honor Flight Dayton first lifted off in Springfield, Ohio, in 2005. The program has since evolved into a national network of Honor Flight hubs. Locally, more than 300 volunteers honor veterans with the “trip of a lifetime,” about three times a year. Veterans who served from December 1941 (World War II era) through June 1975 (Vietnam era) are given a free trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the national memorials built in their honor.
For those who fly, the day starts before dawn and ends around 10 p.m. the same day. Ground trips include a caravan for a three-day outing. The trips include free lodging, meals and transportation. Veterans can also be accompanied by a guardian of their choosing, who pays their own way.
Director and President Alan Bailey, an Army combat veteran who served during Vietnam, has been with Honor Flight Dayton for 19 years. Alan began volunteering after retiring, following 33 years of civil service with the Navy and Air Force.
“My Dad served during WWII but died before the building of the WWII Memorial,” Alan tells us. “In honor of his contributions and sacrifices, I wanted to find out more about this new program, which started in my hometown of Enon.”
Honor Flight Dayton trips are privately funded through donations. All board members are considered volunteers and perform their duties without compensation. Each trip honors about 100 veterans and costs approximately $80,000. Recipients are honored on a first-come, first-served basis, with WWII and terminally ill veterans receiving priority.
“Our foremost request is to help us find eligible vets for an Honor Flight before their health prevents them from going,” Alan explains.
Alan notes that visits to the memorials are emotional, especially for veterans who visit the Vietnam War Memorial. Many Vietnam veterans were not treated respectfully after their return home from service.
“Returning Vietnam veterans were reluctant to open up and share their stories even with family and friends. They didn’t want to be singled out as a veteran,” Alan explains. “That struggle is valid and will always be part of their memories. These trips are not only about visiting the 'wall.' It’s about healing and giving them the homecoming they so richly deserve,” he states.
Alan also observes that as the day progresses, the guardian volunteers and other veterans develop a camaraderie and create new friendships. At the end of the day, he encourages veterans to share stories of their service with their peers and families before it’s too late.
“Family members will not find the veterans’ specific stories in textbooks. It’s up to every veteran to share their military service experiences now,” Alan affirms.
In September, Honor Flight Dayton commemorated its 20th anniversary with a special flight on two C-17s out of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Each plane held 154 travelers. The group’s return was celebrated with a concert by two local bands and performers, Ricky Lee and Eddie Montgomery.
Alan estimates there were 3,000 to 4,000 people waiting in the hangar upon the C-17s’ return landing.
“It was so special because it’s the first time any Honor Flight teamed with the Air Force to conduct a mission on a military aircraft,” Alan relays. “Honor Flight Dayton pays for all of our charter flights and likewise, we paid for these military flights as well, at no expense to taxpayers.”
Volunteers are essential to Honor Flight Dayton’s success. They are involved in fundraising and spreading awareness about Honor Flight’s mission, administrative tasks and assisting veterans during their flight. They also help with a yearly reunion for vets and guardians who have been on a trip.
Kelley Cox is the treasurer for the organization. She began working with Honor Flight Dayton as a guardian volunteer in 2011.
“My grandfather was a WWII veteran, as were several of his siblings,” she shares. “When I heard about the program, I thought it would be a great way to honor his memory.”
She’s proud of their volunteers' willingness to pitch in. “We have a wonderful group of volunteers that are eager to help with just about anything from getting ready for flights, setting up booths at festivals…even cleaning and helping get the wheelchairs to and from the airport,” Kelley enthuses.
She continues, “Being a part of changing the lives of these veterans has been the most rewarding experience I could ever imagine.”
Honor Flight Dayton also offers the Honoring Yesterday’s Heroes program. Families can honor deceased military veterans who never visited their memorial, or who are unable to travel, by submitting a request on the Honor Flight Dayton website. A printed photo is escorted to the memorial, and the family receives a remembrance. Honor Flight Dayton provides this free service on every one of their trips.
To donate, volunteer or receive more information about this life-changing experience for those who have given so much, call 937.322.4448 or visit HonorFlightDayton.org.
"It’s about healing and giving them the homecoming they so richly deserve.”
"Our foremost request is to help us find eligible vets for an Honor Flight before their health prevents them from going.”