Vietnam War vets encouraged to apply for Honor Flights
PLATTSBURGH — Now is the time for Vietnam War veterans to take the spotlight at North Country Honor Flight.
Jerika Manning, Executive Officer for North Country Honor Flight, said the organization, which flies veterans down to Washington D.C. so they can see the war memorial monuments in their honor, is making it a priority to get more Vietnam veterans to apply for a flight.
'North Country Honor Flight started with just World War II veterans, and then they opened it up to Korean War veterans, and then they opened it up again to Vietnam veterans,' Manning said.
'The Vietnam veteran generation — that era — are not as quick to apply, and don't think that they're as deserving … (they) had this mentality of: 'let the old guys go first.''
IT'S THEIR TURN
Which is what Honor Flight has done.
Manning said just one World War II veteran is left on their list to fly. Now, the focus is on Vietnam veterans, although veterans of all ages and from any war are still encouraged to apply as well.
'It's their (Vietnam veterans) turn, essentially, is the message that we want to put out,' she said.
'Their welcome home (from war), obviously, they weren't well received. So a lot of them … just don't feel like they deserve it … the way they were treated when they came back was really what the mission of Honor Flight is: to give them that proper thank you that they didn't get when they came back.
'But, it's just a matter of convincing them that now's the time to apply.'
APPLICATION PROCESS
Those interested in applying for a flight can do so at http://www.northcountryhonorflight.org, contact 518-364-6503 or email northcountryhonorflight@gmail.com for help.
The application process is simple, and the Honor Flight team is there to assist with any questions or concerns. All expenses are covered for each veteran.
'Together, let us honor our Vietnam Veterans and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. We look forward to welcoming our heroes aboard and celebrating their service to our nation,' a news release said.
'As we continue our mission to honor and celebrate the sacrifices made by our Veterans, we invite all Vietnam Veterans in the North Country region to apply for a flight to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and more. This special trip not only serves to honor their service but also provides an opportunity for camaraderie and reflection among fellow Veterans.'
Honor Flight takes four trips to D.C. each year.
Manning said those that apply now should be able to get on a flight within the next year or two as they are catching up on their wait list. However, as always, older veterans who apply would take priority first.
REAL ID
For those planning to apply, one important change to the application this year includes the federal government's new requirement of a 'Real ID' to fly.
Manning included this paragraph in the new applications: 'NEW in 2025: A valid, unexpired government-issued 'REAL ID' photo ID is required for air travel. An Enhanced Driver's License, Military ID, DoD ID, and Passport are all 'Real ID' compliant. Please be sure to bring your ID with you to the airport. THE NAME ON THE ID MUST MATCH THE NAME YOU'VE PROVIDED ON THIS APPLICATION.'
This requirement goes into effect May 7 and everyone flying must comply, veterans and their chaperones included. For many older veterans, it could be a challenge to get to the DMV and ensure they're in compliance.
'You never really need it if you're not traveling, and a lot of these veterans are not traveling, they're not just going on vacation,' she said.
'What's nice, though, is that many of them have a military ID or a Department of Defense ID or a passport, and all those are Real ID compliance.'
Honor Flight's first flight of the year is May 17, and Manning said everyone should be all set for that one, so far.
Those interested in learning more about applying for a Real ID can visit/call their local DMV office or go here: https://dmv.ny.gov/driver-license/enhanced-or-real-id.
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