Diane Hatterman, Physical Therapist Assistant, with Infinity Rehab in Spokane, Washington has found a way to make a difference with our military veterans. In October, Diane took her second trip as a guardian to one of our veterans on the Honor Flight. The Honor Flight Network was started to show our appreciation and respect for the veterans who have served our country. Each year, dozens of planes make the trip to Washington DC full of veterans.
Upon arrival in DC, the veterans are whisked off to see the memorials dedicated to the vets with a police escort at all times. Stops are made at every military memorial including the WW I Memorial, the WW II Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial. It is very moving how often people just come up to the veterans, shake their hand, and thank them for their service.
One of the stops is Arlington Cemetery. Diane said “While the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a must see event for everyone, it is an especially meaningful event for our veterans.”
Most of the veterans making the flight are from WW II. Often it is the veteran’s family that makes the trip with them to help with getting in and out of the bus and viewing the memorials. But there is a huge need for additional volunteers because there are vets that require assistance with mobility. Signing up as a guardian is the start of a very rewarding time.
- The Honor Flight Program operates out of most states with their general website at https://www.honorflight.org/.
- Pacific Northwest states that have programs are Washington at https://inwhonorflight.org/
- Idaho at https://www.honorflightidaho.com/
- Oregon: https://www.honorflightofeasternoregon.org/, https://www.honorflightoforegon.org/
Check out their websites to see how you can get involved and be a part of honoring our veterans.
