Veterans to take off for 2023 Honor Flight
How do you thank a veteran?
Well, in the case of Salt River Electric and some of our other sister cooperatives, our small way of saying “thank you” is coming up on Sept. 16 when veterans participate in Honor Flight Kentucky, sponsored annually by Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.
Salt River Electric is proud to join together with East Kentucky Power Cooperative and our sister co-ops to support the mission of sending veterans to Washington, D.C. for the day—giving them the chance to visit some of the national monuments and memorials dedicated to their service.
“It’s so rewarding to be able to send these veterans on Honor Flight each year,” Manager of Communications Zach Epperson explains. “It’s one of the many benefits of being part of Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.”
Each year, Salt River Electric selects two veterans to travel with a guardian to Washington, D.C. While we try to get local veterans on the flight, we feel it’s important also to select veterans who have been on the list for a while, or those who are older who might not get another opportunity after this year.
With that in mind, we’re proud to announce our Honor Flight selections for this year:
James Strange, Bardstown
Strange is an Army veteran. He served his country from 1967-1969, and was stationed in Vietnam, being involved in Field Artillery. He attained the rank of corporal before the end of his service.
Fred Hall, Allen
Hall is a World War II veteran. He was employed by the Navy as a mail clerk for the Hawaiian Islands from 1943-1945, and was drafted into the Army in 1946. Hall also served as a military police officer for ordnance testing and development, escorting scientists to White Sands, New Mexico.
We thank these men for their service to our country, and can’t wait to see them off on their journey.
You can play a part in the festivities, too. On the evening of September 16, the general public is invited to show up at Blue Grass Airport to greet the veterans during the welcome home celebration. One of the day’s highlights, it was a special moment for of one of last year’s veterans.
“When I came home, we got no hero’s welcome,” wrote Korean War veteran Sammy Spradling in 2022. “So, the one we got at the Lexington Airport was so very overwhelming for me, still today when I think of it. All the wonderful people and families and kids that were there to greet us—I will never forget it!”
If you or a veteran you know would like to participate in a future Honor Flight, head over to www.honorflightky.org and sign up for the chance to be selected for future flights.