NEW WINDSOR, NY – On April 15, members of Vet 2 Vet in both Orange and Sullivan counties attended a farewell ceremony at Stewart Airport for the Hudson Valley Honor Flight.

The purpose of the Honor Flight is to give veterans, many of whom are elderly or homebound, an opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. While there, the veterans and their Honor Flight guardians visit memorials of various military and national conflicts. 

On April 15, 84 veterans traveled to the nation’s capital from the region.

The veterans and guardians were escorted into Stewart Airport by over 300 motorcycle riders, representing numerous organizations throughout the Hudson Valley. They were led past an honor guard composed of members of the Vails Gate Fire Department, and were joined in the procession by members of the Hudson Valley Regional Police Pipes and Drums.

A Hudson Valley veteran and his guardian prepare for the Honor Flight.....

Attending the ceremonies on behalf of Vet 2 Vet were Tom Hauber, veteran services coordinator for Orange County; Ryan Fuller, veteran services coordinator for Sullivan County; Jimmy Raftery, veteran services coordinator for Sullivan County; and Stephen Murphy, veteran peer advocate, and his service dog, Eva.

For more information about the Hudson Valley Honor Flight, visit hvhonorflight.com. For more information about Vet 2 Vet of Sullivan County, call 845/794-4228.