THE ADVENTURES OF KANE PEASLEE
“The mission of Honor Flight New England is to Transport America’s veterans to Washington DC to visit those memorials dedicated to honoring their service and sacrifices.” (honorflightnewengland.org) Although Kane believes his writing skills are pretty good, no amount of words could adequately capture the energy and raw emotion of those being honored and respected for their sacrifice, as it should be, because these veterans are America’s heroes.
Joseph Byron, founder of Honor Flight New England, was very humbled by his most recent group of World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam Veterans, who were flown to Washington DC with honor, to visit their memorials on June 16th, 2024 from the Manchester Boston Regional Airport. Joe explained to Kane that top priority is given to the most senior veterans along with those veterans who may be terminally ill.
Joe explained that Honor Flight New England provides trips that are truly life changing for the veteran participants. Not only are they honored for their sacrifice, but they also have the unique opportunity to spend time with other like-minded individuals who truly get it, because they were there as well. Kane told Joe about the time he went to the World War II Memorial super early in the morning and witnessed several veterans finding each other and sharing stories. This was a very memorable opportunity for Kane.
Joe explained to Kane that the first flight was on June 13th, 2009. Since the program’s inception they have helped 2379 veterans and launched 66 flights.
Joe explained that their youngest World War II veteran served at 14 and 1/2 years old after forging his birth certificate. Kane thought wow, that veteran was the age of a high school freshman. Joe said, “for many veterans communicating about the war often does not happen, but this unique opportunity affords the veterans the opportunity to talk more openly among veterans who also served.
Kane was excited to learn that the trip is free for the veteran due to generous donations raised by Honor Flight New England. A guardian is assigned to each veteran, so they will have their special person to discuss their experience from beginning to end.
The cost for a guardian to attend is $600.00 dollars. Each flight takes off and returns on the same day. Joe was excited to explain that Delta Airlines will be fully sponsoring a flight in September. Joe talked about the generous donations he has seen over the years.
Kane learned that Joe not only served in the Army in the mid 70’s, but he also had a career in Law Enforcement in Manchester NH. In fact, Joe had a specific interest and specialization in crimes against seniors, a very vulnerable population indeed.
Joe explained to Kane what piqued his interest in starting Honor Flight was conversations with an amazing World War II hero when he was on the job. Spending time with this gentleman motivated him to start the New England charter of Honor Flight.
Kane was honored to meet Frederick “Pat” Walor, a Purple Heart recipient, on a few occasions at the Dracut American Legion. Pat who is 100 years of age served in the Army during World War II and attended the Honor Flight trip on June 16th with his daughter Sandy Walor. The town provided quite a sendoff with representative Colleen Garry, members of the local Boy Scouts, members of the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club, the police and citizens of the town. Pat received quite a sendoff at 3:00AM.
His ride to the airport was escorted by the Lowell Police Motorcycle Unit and the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club. Kane’s friend Barbara Coakley who was riding with her husband Christopher Coakley in the escort said, “it was a very humbling experience from beginning to end, and she was very happy to be part of it.”
Kane is hopeful that readers of the Valley Patriot will let Senior Veterans know about the program so they could apply to attend a flight. Kane also learned that you can donate to Honor Flight New England on the website (honorflightnewengland.org) or by sending a donation to Honor Flight New England, P.O. Box 16287, Hooksett, NH 03106.
As for Joseph Byron, Kane is so happy he met a very special World War II veteran while working at the police department, who inspired him to start Honor Flight New England. Thank you for your service, Joe. Your work and that of the other members of your team is inspirational.
Kane Peaslee
Columnist, Valley Patriot woof! ◊