On Saturday, September 25, 2010 Ben, along with several other area veterans, was rewarded for his service to our country with an "Honor Flight". This is an amazing opportunity for our Veterans to be recognized for their service. Many thanks to  Town of Brookhaven Council District 3, Councilwoman Kathleen A Walsh for helping make this trip of a lifetime happen.

Article in Southwest Airlines "Share the Spirit" onboard magazine - not about Ben's exact flight, but it shows Southwest's commitment to our veterans. READ HERE
 
 
http://216.139.227.101/interactive/luv2009/

Military and Their Families Spotlight: Honor Flight Network

With 775 Southwest Airlines Pilots and many other Southwest Family Members affiliated with the National Guard or Reserve forces, the military holds a special place in our hearts. Through a multiyear commitment to Honor Flight Network, we fly veterans free of charge to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice. In May 2009, the Honor Flight Network recognized Southwest Airlines as its Official Commercial Airline.

For Veterans? Day 2009, Southwest Airlines flew World War II veterans from the Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to Baltimore-Washington International to visit their memorial in Washington, D.C.

Southwest Airlines Employees made the departure a celebration for these aging soldiers, all of whom were accompanied by a guardian to assist with the sentimental trip. Breakfast, goodie bags, a national anthem serenade sung by Southwest Airlines LAX Operations Agent Dwayne Lewis, and a crowd waving our star-spangled banner gave these men a send-off to remember. By the end of 2009, through the Honor Flight program, we had the privilege of donating 1,150 tickets on 32 flights to transport 1,080 veterans to see the memorials honoring their sacrifice.