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By Chuck N. Baker
(Las Vegas) – One of the most popular and high visibility programs aimed honoring America’s older veterans is “Honor Flight.” In Nevada, there is an “Honor Flight Nevada” and “Honor Flight Southern Nevada,” both under the same “Honor Flight” umbrella but serving veterans in different parts of the State.

The program provides a roundtrip airplane ticket to selected veterans, at no cost to the veteran, so they may see “their” memorial in person. For various reasons, these veterans may never get the opportunity to personally see their war memorial erected to honor and thank them for their service and sacrifice at our Nation’s Capitol.

Many veterans selected to go on the trip served in World War II and the Korean War. This aging population of veterans is presenting challenges because some are too elderly, too frail, or too sick to make the trip. In southern Nevada, a unique event is being planned for these veterans. A “virtual flight,” or an “Experience,” as Honor Flight officials describe it, is in the works.

The veterans will gather on February 24th at VegasPBS, the television station that is owned and operated by the Clark County School District and that often televises veterans programming.

Belinda Morse, the Executive Director and Board Chair of “Honor Flight Southern Nevada,” said, ”We’re expecting 40 veterans. It will be a luncheon and video tour. We’ll put as many components into the ‘Experience’ as we do when we’re in D.C.” The veterans will also receive individual honors they would as if they had been on the actual tour.

The event is free for veterans and they can bring guests, but each guest will be charged $25. Veterans who want to participate must fill out an application prior to the event. A specific application for the experience can be found at www.Honor FlightSouthernNevada.org.

The deadline for submitting is Feb. 5. More information can also be obtained by calling (702) 749-5912.