TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Back in June, KGUN 9's Giving Project brought you the story of the Honor Flight Southern Arizona, a nonprofit that flies U.S. military veterans to Washington D.C. to visit memorials dedicated to their service, at no cost to them. For some, it's their first time at the national memorials. For others, the trips bring closure, and a sense of peace.
Tuesday, the 34th Honor Flight lands at Tucson International Airport, carrying five Korean War Vets and 15 Vietnam War Vets.
Honor Flight leaders invited members of the public to the airport to give these veterans the "welcome home" reception that many never received when returning from active duty:
At the time KGUN 9 held its June Giving Project, organizer Ed Dunlap told me Honor Flight had to cancel its annual June trip, and lacked the necessary funds for this November trip.
Now, Dunlap shared with me that thanks to the generosity of KGUN 9's viewers and the $11,000 raised through the Giving Project, this trip would not have been possible.
WATCH OUR PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
Vietnam Vets receive gratitude that never came after the war, thanks to Honor Flight
Honor Flight Southern Arizona: Giving veterans a chance to heal old wounds
——-
Pat Parris is an anchor and reporter for KGUN 9. He is a graduate of Sabino High School where he was the 1982 high school state track champion in the 800 meters. While in high school and college, he worked part-time in the KGUN 9 newsroom. Share your story ideas and important issues with Pat by emailing pat.parris@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.