Fort Hudson would like to take time out this Memorial Day Weekend to pay tribute to our veterans we have served, are serving, and will serve. After all, we are truly living in the land of the free because of these brave men and women!
In the spirit of memorializing our veterans, Fort Hudson Nursing Center is proud to share the story of John, or “Johnny” as he introduces himself to his neighbors at the Fort. All the staff and residents of Fort Hudson say that Johnny’s spirit… and positive outlook on life is not only inspirational but contagious and we are so happy to see that he had an opportunity this early spring to be acknowledged for his great service to our country, participating in a Leatherstocking Honor Flight on May 7, 2016. This first flight for the year left Albany International Airport with a proud group of 47 WWII, Korean, and Vietnam veterans who traveled down to Washington D.C. to visit their monument and share a lifetime of memories with their buddies—their Band of Brothers.
The day began early at 6am with well wishes from family and friends and a sendoff tribute ride coordinated by the Patriot Guard Riders of New York. The day was filled with special moments but Johnny was especially touched by the Mail Call and pile of letters he received as he awaited his return flight home. Every day since this Honor Flight he says he takes time out to read at least one of these heartfelt letters he keeps in a green box in his room.
Leatherstocking Honor Flight, a hub of the national Honor Flight Network, is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to taking World War II Veterans, at no cost, to Washington, D.C. to experience the World War II Memorial. All trips for the Veterans are paid for through donations. Volunteer Guardians accompany all Veterans. Guardians pay for their own trip and are responsible for chaperoning the Veterans for that trip. Leatherstocking Honor Flight began operations in 2008 and to date has taken over 1,000 WWII Veterans to Washington DC, the oldest being 100 years old. Leatherstocking Honor Flight covers New York State’s Capital District (Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga), all surrounding Counties, as well as Vermont and Western Massachusetts.
To learn more about Leatherstocking Honor Flight and catch all the moments of Johnny’s special day take time to visit http://www.leatherstockinghonorflight.org
