INDIANA AMVETS HOSTS WWII VETERANS FOR HONOR FLIGHT

Indianapolis Post No. 99 brings 150 veterans to Washington to visit National WWII Memorial.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2009—This morning, Indiana AMVETS Post No. 99 brought more than 150 veterans and their family members for an Honor Flight visit to the National WWII Memorial. AMVETS National Commander Duane Miskulin was on hand with former Sen. Bob Dole and staff from Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar’s office to greet the veterans, as they toured the nation’s capitol.

“It was an honor to greet the Indiana contingent of WWII veterans this morning on the National Mall,” said Miskulin, himself an Air Force veteran. “I had two uncles who served in WWII and grew up in a family with a rich history of military service. That legacy drove me to serve my country and it was truly humbling to visit with the brave men and women of our Greatest Generation at the memorial inspired by their sacrifices and dedication.”

This was the third Honor Flight hosted by Post 99, which raised $200,000 to make the latest trip possible. Post 99 Commander Don Derringer first developed the idea in spring 2008 and has accompanied the veterans on each Honor Flight, allowing hundreds of Indiana WWII veterans to visit their memorial.

While on the day-long tour of Washington, the Indiana veterans also visited other memorials on the National Mall and toured Arlington National Cemetery.

As a fellow WWII veteran, Sen. Dole makes it a point to visit as many Honor Flight groups as possible to speak with veterans. Sen. Lugar’s staff also came out to visit with fellow Hoosiers on behalf of the Indiana senior Senator.

On Monday and Wednesday throughout the spring, summer, and fall, the Ohio-based non-profit Honor Flight Network brings veterans to Washington to see the National WWII Memorial. A tentative schedule of this year’s Honor Flights can be viewed on their national Web site, www.honorflight.org.

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About AMVETS:    
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.