Latest news with #SoaringValor
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Five local WWII Veterans take off to visit the National WWII Museum
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Since 2015, the Gary Sinise Foundation has been bringing World War II veterans to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans through its Soaring Valor initiative to visit the museum and spread awareness and education on the importance of service and sacrifice. Five local World War II veterans are getting the chance to visit the museum this week. 'The Gary Sinise Foundation is a wonderful organization, not only for veterans, but for first responders in their families as well they go over and above their support of these folks for veterans in particular it's great that you know they're reaching out and getting World War II veterans down to the museum that was built for them,' said guardian Martin Leamy. Central and Southwest Virginia Honor Flight CEO Martin Leamy is known for taking veterans to Washington, D.C. twice a year for the Honor Flight. This week he is part of a different mission. Leamy and 5 other guardians are taking 5 local World War II veterans to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. The veterans are excited about this opportunity courtesy of the Gary Sinise Foundation. Before the veterans took off they got a heroes send off from the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. Even during take off the airport firetrucks gave a water splash off. The five local World War II veterans will link up with the rest of the Gary Sinise Foundation Soaring Valor group in Nashville before taking off Wednesday for New Orleans and the museum. The veterans will spend two days checking out the museum. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Epoch Times
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
Gary Sinise's Foundation Hosting Veterans' Trip to National WWII Museum in New Orleans
Award-winning actor Gary Sinise is once again helping one of America's greatest generations, the veterans of World War II, embark on an adventure of a lifetime. The 'Forrest Gump' star's nonprofit organization, the Gary Sinise Foundation, is hosting an all-expenses-paid trip to Louisiana later this month for those who served during the 1939–1945 global war. 'We're bringing World War II veterans and their guardians to New Orleans to tour the National WWII Museum built in their honor,' the charity's Their experience includes entertainment, celebratory meals, and community building with their fellow heroes.' The annual excursion, which will take place from April 29 to May 2, is part of the foundation's 'Soaring Valor' program. Launched in 2015, the initiative was expanded two years later to allow high school students to tag along. 'Our WWII veterans fought to save the world from tyranny. The freedom we know today is thanks to their bravery and valor. They taught us the true meaning of patriotism, and we remain forever grateful for their sacrifices,' the website says. 'Students who accompany our veterans carry on their stories with a new appreciation for the sacrifices made by an entire generation.' Related Stories 11/15/2024 11/16/2020 Formerly known as The National D-Day Museum, the New Orleans exhibition notes 'Every veteran is a living library. We've partnered with The National WWII Museum to record the individual stories of America's Greatest Generation and share them with the world,' Sinise's nonprofit said. Veterans who want to participate but cannot travel will still have the opportunity to be interviewed by a historian in their homes. Sinise, 70, began helping service members following the deadly Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the New York World Trade Center. He established the foundation a decade later to continue his support of wounded veterans and first responders. In addition to 'Soaring Valor,' some of the charity's other projects include the Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment (R.I.S.E.) program, which works to build specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded veterans. Veterans who have suffered trauma, injury, or illness can get financial assistance, such as help in paying bills or buying groceries, through the nonprofit's H.O.P.E. initiative. The organization also supports the needs of first responders by providing funding for necessary equipment, emergency relief, and training.
