FOX Carolina 21Honor flight takes Upstate vets to DC

Honor flight takes Upstate vets to DC

Several Upstate businesses have sponsored an honor flight for 82 veterans to travel to Washington DC on Tuesday.

The flight will take the World War II veterans to DC for the seventh honor flight from the Upstate. Also traveling with the group are 60 guardians, doctors, nurses and support staff.

The flight leaves from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport  to visit the World War II, Vietnam, Korean and Marine Corps War Memorials. They will also view the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

Honor Flight Upstate South Carolina is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization dedicated to honoring veterans. The flights take World War II veterans to see the memorials they have never had the chance to see, as their ages range from the 80s to older than 100.

The flight landed back at GSP at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. One Upstate veteran raved about the experience.

"It's a wonderful thing," said Robert Jones. "The gratitude and all the people have been wonderful. And the flight is just impeccable. If anyone can take this, I recommend it."

Verizon Wireless, Lockheed Martin and Spinx sponsored Tuesday's flight. OTher elected officials support the efforts including U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, U.S. Rep. Trey Gowdy, U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan, Simpsonville Mayor Dennis Waldrop, Greenville County Sheriff Steve Loftis, Pickens County Sheriff C. David Stone, Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper and Oconee Sheriff James Singleton. Major corporate sponsors include Verizon Wireless, Lockheed, Spinx and the Bank of Travelers Rest.

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