Erie County Clerk
Press Releases

04/18/08

KATHY HOCHUL'S COLUMN

Recently I had the opportunity to speak before a group of veterans at the American Legion George F. Lamm Post, located in Cheektowaga. I was going there to enlighten their membership about all the services the Erie County Clerk's Office offers. However, during our discussion I learned about a wonderful program they are supporting called 'Honor Flight' which is being offered to our World War II Veterans and veterans dealing with terminal illness. It was so unique I wanted to dedicate my column to help get the word out about it.

'Honor Flight' is a 'free of charge' service that manages to fly our World War II Veterans and those dealing with terminal illness to Washington, D.C., so they may view memorials built to honor their service to our country. Their goal is to fly as many World War II Veterans as possible with guardians, to make this trip as easy and delightful as possible. Sadly, it was pointed out that we are losing 1,200 WWII Veterans daily. They provide at no cost, oxygen tanks, wheelchairs and whatever medical devices needed to assist these veteran during the trip. They accept no money or contributions from the WWII Veterans, and they receive no financial support from government or corporations. Their only source of funding to support "Honor Flight" is from individuals across the country that recognizes the great accomplishments and sacrifices of these veterans. Honor Flight wants WWII Vets to see the memorials before it is too late.

On June 7th, the 'Honor Flight' Program is happening right here in the Niagara Region. The Friends of Family Support Organization, an all volunteer, not-for-profit group based out the 914th Air Base in Niagara Falls has managed to raise more than $10,000 to charter a 56 passenger deluxe motor coach from SouthWest Airlines that will depart right out of the Buffalo Airport. They plan on transporting 40 WWII Vets, and will provide free round trip airfare, 2 meals, a Tee/Sweat Shirts for the Vets and all insurance costs.

What can we do to help? Well they are looking for additional guardians that can lend a helping hand to the WWII Veterans traveling. A training seminar will be offered April 24th at the American Legion George F. Lamm Post on Wehrle Drive in Cheektowaga from 5:30 to 9 pm. All guardians will be required to receive this training and they must pay $200.00 each to participate just to cover their costs. Also, we can cheer them on Saturday, June 7th at the Buffalo Airport when they depart approximately 7:30 am or arrive at 9:40 pm. What a great way to show our appreciation to our veterans.

So I urge you, should you know of a WWII Veterans or a veterans battling a terminal illness, please contact Debbi Mellon at 297-4494 or email veteran-application@Honorflight.org. This free service is first-come, first serve so don't delay. Our local veterans groups would like 'Honor Flight' sponsored as a quarterly event in Western New York. With your donations this dream could become a reality.

As I travel across Erie County to strengthen the Erie County Clerks communications to better serve our citizens, it serves a dual purpose because I learn more about other groups and their good work. What a wonderful time I had when I visited the American Legion George F. Lamm Post. It was a great opportunity for me to learn more about their continued dedication to our great veterans. I believe we can't thank our veterans enough and they deserve to see their memorials in Washington, D.C. built in honor of their service to our country. I applaud Honor Flight and their continued service to our veterans. Hope to see you at the June 7th WWII Rally.