Spotlight: Honor Flight Utah

by MEGAN BARTHOLOMEW

There is nothing quite as emotional as watching a veteran celebrate the memory of their fellow veterans. The United States of America celebrates its veterans and has many memorials at the nation’s capital dedicated to honoring these individuals that range from World War I servicepersons to more recent conflicts.

However, there is a slight problem with those memorials— many of the dedicated veterans around the country never get the opportunity to view the monuments. Most often, cost and health issues get in the way.

That’s where Honor Flight Utah comes in.

HFU is a non-profit organization dedicated to giving Utah’s World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War vets the chance to travel to Washington, D.C. to see the memorials free of charge. They provide airfare, lodging, meals, tour tickets, and even coordinate to accommodate a wide-range of health concerns. For example, many veterans rely on oxygen tanks to get through the day, but those tanks aren’t allowed on commercial flights. HFU will work with airlines to ensure that oxygen is available on the plane and provides oxygen tanks so that the individual can enjoy their trip stress-free.

HFU was founded by UHF was founded by Dan Curtis of Richfield. Michael Turner and others have worked to helped improve UHF. One evening, Turner watched as his his friend, Frank Biagi, witnessed a CNN broadcast of war veterans being removed from Washington, D.C. memorials during the government shutdown. On the TV, Biagi noticed that the veterans had “Honor Flight” on their shirts. As a Pearl Harbor and WWII veteran, he was curious. Within two weeks, Turner tracked down the national organization, found others interested in Utah, and had Frank on a plane to see his memorial.

“I watched him go from being a 97-year-old man to a 20-year-old kid on that trip,” says Turner. “For him, to think that the public recognized hi, and thanked him for his efforts it made a huge difference in his life before he passed away.”

Turner emphasized that closure is what the program is all about. They give the veterans an opportunity to reflect and remember their friends. This is often different for each person. “We’ve had veterans who just walk through the airport and, having someone stop, and shake their hand, and say thank you, is all they need to put past memories behind them,” Turner said.

Currently, UHF is focused on getting the Beehive State’s WWII heroes to the WWII memorial as soon as possible. Veterans can register themselves, or be registered, on UHF’s waiting list, which operates on a first come, first served basis, visit the site for more information. Once they are selected to travel, veterans are paired with a “guardian” volunteer, who will help them with travel documents, boarding, and tours. These volunteers pay for their own travel to the memorial with the sole purpose of giving a veteran the experience of a lifetime.

As part of their current fundraising efforts, UHF is working with Rep. Carl Albrecht (R-70) to petition for a “special interest” license plate for supporters in Utah. All proceeds will go to the program. Those interested in purchasing a plate can let UHF know on their Facebook page to help them get the required 500 interested citizens.

For more information on donating, touching testimonials, and inspiring photos of veterans remembering their service, visit utahhonorflight.