By Stephen Smoot
“There is a true glory and a true honor: the glory of duty done–the honor of the integrity of principle.”
The Shinnston Lions Club has put out the effort to support the vital principle of rewarding those who serve as the epitome of honor, local servicemen.
This maxim on honor also reflects the meaning and mission of the honor flight program. According to the Honor Flight Network, the organization “is a national nonprofit organization comprised of independent hubs working together to achieve the Honor Flight mission. In furtherance of this common goal, we have the enormous privilege of showing our nation’s veterans the appreciation and honor they deserve.”
Honor flights originally focused on those who served in World War II, but quickly expanded to include those who fought in Vietnam and Korea as well. The flights bring together veterans to travel together to DC, visit war memorials, socialize, and receive the appreciation they earned in fighting for America’s freedom.
In many cases, a band playing patriotic music greets them on arrival. Elected officials often go to pay homage to those who served.
Organizers moved the 2024 honor flight from Bridgeport to Washington DC to September 14 because fundraising had come more slowly than expected. A single honor flight carrying 100 veterans costs more than $160,000.
Recently, Billie Jo Claypool, coordinator of the flight out of Bridgeport, shared with WBOY that the flight still needed help in raising money. Shinnston Lions Club responded by planning a breakfast starting at 8 AM on April 6. Those who pay the $10 requested donation can have their choice of pancakes and sausage or sausage gravy and biscuits.
David Minor, from the Lions Club, noted that “we can’t raise a ton of money, but what we do raise can help them.”
He added that “they’re getting close. The flight is going to be a go.”
“Hopefully, we can get some people out,” Minor stated.
Claypool also told WBOY that those who wished to support the flight could ail donations to 430 West Pike Street, Clarksburg, West Virginia 26301—addressed to the Clarksburg Honor Flight. Sponsoring a veteran costs $350, if interested.
Supporters can also drop donations off at the Clarksburg Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW) main office at 430 West Pike Street, Clarksburg, West Virginia 26301. Those with questions can reach out to Billie Jo Claypool at 304-677-7812.