KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Nearly 80 West Michigan veterans reported bright and early Saturday morning to the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport to embark on a big trip. The Talons Out Honor Flight took veterans from World War II, The Korean War and Vietnam War combined on an all-expense-paid journey to the nation’s capital to see their very own war memorials.
“The veterans just had a really wonderful time. It was just awesome!” – Angela Pettit (Talons Out Honor)
Angela Pettit joined the 19th mission along with more than 80 volunteers. It’s the first flight the program has done since 2019.
“We’ve lost several veterans from our waiting list over the last two years, so it’s important that we get this started again so we can get these veterans to Washington D.C. and honor them.”
Pettit says the day also gave way to a couple of surprise reunions.
“We had a couple of families set up surprises meeting the veterans in Washington D.C. for family around the country. That’s always fun.”
The next Talons Out Honor Flight mission takes off from Kalamazoo Saturday, October 9th.
The program is always looking for volunteers. Anyone interested can visit www.talonsouthonorflight.org.
