A fundraiser will be held on Thursday, July 17 from 6-8 p.m. at Murphy's, 355 Kear Street in Yorktown Heights, to support the first "honor flight" out of Westchester County Airport. Hudson Valley Honor Flight (HVHF) is a non-profit organization that offers American World War II veterans a free trip to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials. The organization is partnering with Westchester County Veterans Service Agency to make the trip out of Westchester County Airport possible on Oct. 18.
"Giving our veterans the opportunity to have these wonderful experiences would not be possible without help from local businesses, non-profits, leaders and residents," said Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino. "Thank you to everyone who is working with Hudson Valley Honor Flight to support this great cause and make the trip possible."
Several times a year, Hudson Valley Honor Flight organizes a one-day trip out of various airports to and from Washington, D.C. for 75 veterans and a companion throughout the Hudson Valley. The organization coordinates all trip details from transportation to meals and tours.
Murphy's owner and Yorktown councilman, Terrence Murphy, offered to host a fundraiser after hearing about the planned trip. All proceeds from the evening will go directly to covering trip expenses.
"The Hudson Valley Honor Flight pays tribute to ordinary men who did extraordinary things," said Murphy. "Being the son of a Korean War Veteran it is an absolute honor and privilege to welcome this great organization to Westchester County and especially to the restaurant named after my father."
Becky Boone, executive director of Hudson Valley Honor Flight, has been working closely with Westchester County Airport and the county's Office of Veterans Services to coordinate trip logistics.
"Hudson Valley Honor Flight is excited at the opportunity to honor our World War II heroes from the greater Westchester County area," said Boone.
The event costs $50 per person, $35 for active duty military and veterans, and is free for all WWII veterans. To R.S.V.P. contact Becky Boone by phone at (845) 391-0076 or e-mail . Please make checks payable to Hudson Valley Honor Flight and mail to P.O. Box 375, Walden, NY 12586. Sponsorship packages and raffle prizes are also available for purchase. If you are unable to attend the event but would like to donate, please also contact Becky Boone.
Individuals interested in volunteering, should attend Hudson Valley Honor Flight's next committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 21 at Westchester Community College, Gateway Center, Room 110, 65 Grasslands Road in Valhalla.
Volunteers are needed to help:
- Fundraise
- Contact local businesses and organizations to seek sponsorship opportunities
- Locate interested veterans
- Coordinate travel information
- Escort veterans to and from Westchester County Airport
- Serve as a voice to the veteran community
To learn more about Hudson Valley Honor Flight and to donate or volunteer, visit www.HVHonorFlight.com or call (845) 391-0076.