Veterans meet for Honor Flight reunion
COSHOCTON – The Coshocton Senior Center was filled on Friday, Nov. 30 with veterans who had participated in an honor flight either this year or in years passed and their families. Dave Dilly gave a brief presentation on some of the highlights of this year’s honor flights.
“The guys who put on the honor flights are so thankful that they are able to do that for our veterans who have sacrificed so much over the years,” said Dilly.
Thirty veterans and guardians from Coshocton County participated in this year’s honor flights and there were a total of eight flights made this year. The flights began in April of this year and the last flight was flown on Nov. 11, which marked the 100th anniversary of Veterans Day.
“You see a lot of tears, a lot of smiles, and a lot of happiness,” said Dilly. “It’s kind of overwhelming.”
Veterans are flown at no cost to them to see the sites of Washington D.C. Some stops include the Vietnam Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and the changing of the guards, among many others. Guardians must pay a tax deductible $400 to fly.
“Our volunteers will do anything it takes to get them over and get them back,” said Dilly.
This is the 11th year for the honor flight and a total of 6,000 veterans have participated nationwide. Over those years, 93 flights have been flown nationwide.
“I hope this continues because this is a legacy we can pass on to our younger veterans,” said Dilly.
Veterans who participate in the honor flight are asked to submit photos to the veterans service office to compile a slideshow to be shown at the end of each year at the luncheon. At the end of the slideshow, there was a memorial for those who have passed away who participated on an honor flight.
“Credit has to be given to Dave and Patty Dilly who initiated the honor flight in Coshocton County,” said Jim Barstow. “Without their work, this room wouldn’t be nearly as full as it is today.”
Steve Siegrest served in the Air Force from 1971 – 1975. This year, he took his first honor flight on Nov. 11.
“It was great,” he said. “I was totally surprised by it. The whole thing with the police escort and going to all the memorials, it was very moving.”
This was also Raymond Tumblin’s first year participating on the honor flight. Tumblin served in the Army from 1952 – 1954.
“I think it was excellent,” he said. “It was very emotional at times and I really learned to appreciate the Blue Star Mothers.”
Barstow encourages anyone who is interested in the honor flight to stop by the veterans service office for more information.
“We have this as an annual event, not only to thank the veterans and recognize them for their participation in the honor flight, but to get the word out to those who have not gone yet,” said Barstow. “I invite anyone who is interested in the honor flight to learn more about it.”
Applications to sign up for an honor flight are available at the veterans service office, which is located in the basement of the courthouse.
Category: People & Places
