WESTCHESTER, NY — County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced last week that Westchester County will help send 75 Westchester World War II veterans to Washington, D.C., thanks to $5,000 from the County Veterans Service Agency. The money will go to the Hudson Valley Honor Flight (HVHF), a not-for-profit group that is underwriting the one-day trip leaving from Westchester County Airport this fall.
“Giving our veterans the opportunity to visit their Washington memorials is the least we can do to thank them for their service to our country,” said Astorino. “Thank you to the Hudson Valley Honor Flight and all those who support this great cause for making the trip possible.”
Several times a year, HVHF organizes a free, one-day trip to and from Washington, D.C., for veterans, mostly from WWII. The organization coordinates all trip details from transportation to meals and tours. The trip this fall from Westchester County Airport will take place October 18.
Becky Boone, executive director of HVHF, has been working closely with Westchester County Airport and the county’s Veterans Service Agency to coordinate trip logistics.
The veterans will be escorted by bus from Westchester Community College to Westchester County Airport via a police motorcade to add to the excitement of the day.
“The reception and support in Westchester County has been phenomenal,” said Boone. “Hudson Valley Honor Flight is excited about the opportunity to honor more heroes from Westchester and surrounding areas.”
To learn more about HVHF or to inquire about reserving a spot, please contact Becky Boone at (845) 391-0076 or becky@hvhonorflight.com.
Donations may be made online at www.hvhonorflight.com or via mail. Checks should be made payable to Hudson Valley Honor Flight and be sent to Hudson Valley Honor Flight, Attn: Donations, P.O. Box 375, Walden, NY 12586.
Vito Pinto, director of the Westchester County Veterans Service Agency, said it is imperative that other communities and organization throughout Westchester join the cause.
“Hudson Valley Honor Flight needs to raise $75,000 to make this trip possible,” said Pinto. “Please, join with us in helping to send the Greatest Generation on the flight of a lifetime.”