Veterans honored with third flight

TOLEDO — A nonprofit's mission to fly northwestern Ohio military veterans to Washington to see memorials built in their honor has added a third flight to its 2022 season. Flag City Honor Flight announced the plan on Wednesday at the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport. "It's the first time we're doing three flights for Flag City Honor Flight," said Bob Weinberg, the group's president. "We take as many veterans as we possibly can from World War II, Korea and Vietnam eras." The first flight and second flights — which took place on June 7 and are scheduled for Sept. 13 — are standard flights, serving veterans from all eras. But, the third flight, planned for Nov. 1, will be the only all-Vietnam flight. There's currently a list of more than 400 Vietnam veterans in the area, some even waiting six years to get on a flight. "We don't think Vietnam veterans should wait six years to see their memorials, and this relieves that problem," Weinberg said. The veteran flights are costly, and a Findlay-based company, Ohio Logistics — a longtime supporter and sponsor of the nonprofit — has stepped up to sponsor the all-Vietnam veteran flight. Ohio Logistics is a warehousing and transportation services company. Chuck Bills, company president, shared his experience working with a Vietnam veteran. He's committed to paying it forward to others, passionate about the group's work and showing appreciation toward veterans. "We need to do all we can to make sure these veterans have a true welcome home," said Bills. In the audience were two Army veterans who will be on the November flight: Bill Johns from Findlay and Ron Gerken from Maumee. The two were also provided jackets designed for November's weather during the flight. "It's an honor to be considered for the flight. I'm intrigued with the thought that it will be all Vietnam veterans," Johns said.