The smiles on the faces of each veteran makes it all worthwhile for Edie Lowry and company.
Lowry, president of Honor Flight of Northeast Tennessee, is looking to continue their mission of giving back to local veterans by providing trips to the nation’s capitol where war monuments are displayed.
To help accomplish the mission, Honor Flight is hosting a breakfast fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Church of Christ in Johnson City.
From 8 a.m. to noon, volunteers will provide a full breakfast, featuring hashbrown casserole, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, tenderloin, sausage, bacon, eggs, fruit, coffee, tea, milk, juice and other items. Cost is by donation and carry outs will be available.
All proceeds will go to benefit the Honor Flight’s goal of continuing trips to Washington, D.C.
It is a tradition that continues to grow, according to Lowry. The organization recently concluded their 11th trip with multiple veterans from the area.
The reactions and experiences from veterans continue to stress the importance of having these trips available, according to the president.
“One veteran called me after the trip and said it changed his world,” Lowry said. “He mentioned he can wear his Vietnam War hat now and talk about the experience. We want our veterans to enjoy this experience and know we love and respect them for all they’ve done for our country.”
Honor Flight of Northeast Tennessee provides trips to Washington, D.C., at no cost to veterans.
“Top priority is given to WWII, Korean War and terminally ill veterans from all wars but we welcome them all,” Lowry said.
Trips are available to veterans from Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Applications are available and can be acquired by visiting the organization’s website.
To get involved with Honor Flight, visit www.honorflightnetn.org or call (423) 330-6189.