FINDLAY, Ohio — Flag City Honor Flight, a Findlay-based nonprofit, takes veterans on free trips to Washington to visit war memorials built in their honor.
Bob Weinberg, director of Flag City Honor Flight, said it costs hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to fund the program. But thanks to donors, they can send 90 veterans per flight this year.
American Legion Post 232 in Grand Rapids donated $3,000 to Flag City Honor Flight on Tuesday.
"Always elated to get donations but I didn't expect to get $3,000," Weinberg said.
He said the money donated is put to good use.
"We're at a point now that our flights are over $100,000 per flight," Weinberg said. "Our budget this year will be over $420,000-$430,000 to put on four flights, so it takes a lot of donations."
Commander of the Post Robert Clark said the legion held fish fries, flower sales and dances to help make the flight happen.
"I think that it's really important," Clark, who served in Vietnam and was able to visit Washington through the program, said. "I've been numerous times and it's fun, it's an enjoyable trip. You get to hang around with veterans, you get to tell war stories."
Now, Clark said he helps others get that opportunity.
"Most of them couldn't afford to go and they're helping me a lot to let them, and these guys take good care of them and send them over there and they get the experience of going to see their memorials," he said.
Clark is a motorcycle escort for honor flight. Others at the post help out, too, which Weinberg appreciates.
"They're an important part of the Flag City Honor Flight and then to have them not only donate their time but to also give us a check, that's awesome," Clark said.
The next flight will take place on April 23.
Weinberg said the legion is one of the many organizations that donate to the program, which also receives donations from the community.
For anyone interested in taking part in this program, you can find more information on the Flag City Honor Flight website.