Eleven Korean War veterans, Vietnam veterans and an Iraq war veteran will be honored for their military service during war times with a virtual Flightless Honor Flight on Friday, Oct. 16 at the Sumter Correctional Institution in Bushnell.
Many of these veterans were highly decorated with such medals as the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star.
On April 12, Villages Honor Flight received an email from an inmate’s mother asking if Villages Honor Flight could honor the men that served their country even though they are now in prison for crimes they committed after their military service. After review of their military service, 11 of these men were screened and approved to participate in this first ever event at a correctional facility. The Florida Governor’s Office, The Director of The Department of Corrections, Sumter Correctional Facility Warden, Jimmy Johnson and his senior staff have all worked with Villages Honor Flight to make this virtual trip possible.
“Although these men went down a path they should not have chosen after their military service that does not diminish the fact that they once served their country with honor and courage during wartime,” said Gary Kadow, flight director for this mission.
“They answered a call to arms and risked their lives for others and for this nation, it is for that sacrifice they are being recognized.”
The Sumter Correctional Institution is one of just five prisons in Florida with a veteran’s dormitory. The facility is also home to American Legion Post #403 which has its own inmate military honor guard, who will be participating in the presentation of the colors at this event.
These veterans will have the chance to take a virtual journey to Washington D.C., which will include stops at the Arlington National Cemetery to witness the changing of the guard, visit the memorials established in their honor and take a tour of our Nations Capitol.
Villages Honor Flight serves veterans in Lake, Sumter, Marion, Hernando and Citrus Counties. Villages Honor Flight mission is to honor these individuals who have served around the world during the war, serving with distinction and honor, and will be appropriately recognized and thanked for their sacrifices and service to America.
For more information on Villages Honor Flight visit www.villageshonorflight.org
