Villages Honor Flight is gearing up for its 20th mission which will carry its 500th veteran to Washington D.C.
In preparation for the mission, the Blue Squad of veterans and Guardians gathered at Charlie’s Fish House Restaurant in Crystal River.
It was a proper setting as four of the five veterans of the Blue Squad are residents of Citrus County. Pre-flight gatherings help cement the bond between the veteran and Guardian. Veterans’ spouses frequently tag along on pre-flight events, as spouses are seen as an important part of the Honor Flight formula which produces long-lasting bonds.
Thirty-five veterans and 35 Guardians will be part of the Sept. 10 Honor Flight which travels to Washington D.C. to see the war memorials.
Among the veterans in the Blue Squad is George Kastner who served in the U.S. Army 3rd Armored Division under General George Patton.
This Honor Flight will likely be the last World War II-only mission.
More than 600 veterans will have participated in the various Honor Flight programs by the end of 2015.
Learn more about Villages Honor Flight at:
http://www.villageshonorflight.org/
