My Life-Changing Trip with Capital Region Patriot Flight [PHOTO]

I saw an Honor Flight arrive at the World War II monument once when I was in Washington DC a few years ago. At that moment, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of and on Saturday, I finally did it and it was my honor to be there.

I mentioned the Honor Flight a few months ago when I recently got in in my head again that it was something I had to do. I applied via Patriot Flight a few months ago and on Saturday, I had the honor to join these amazing men and women on a trip to Washington DC.

I'd been to the monuments before but to be a part of that entire experience, to hear their stories, to give my time, was something completely different. The veterans I spent most of the day with were both Naval veterans from the Vietnam War. They told me how poorly they were treated when they came back home after the war so I was happy that they specifically finally got the welcome they deserved. We arrived in Baltimore to a water salute from the local Fire Department. Then, right off of the gate,  representatives from every branch of the military were there to thank the veterans and welcome them to Washington. When we left the airport, we were saluted off.

It didn't stop there. Throughout the day, people would see their hats which said which branch or which war they were a part of and couldn't help but just stop and say thank you. Even the pilots and flight attendants of each flight took the time to thank them for their service (especially because most were veterans themselves). It was heartwarming and well-deserved.

I've always had an appreciation for veterans but to be a part of this first-hand, I was so honored to be able to be a part of it. There's no way I'm not going to be a part of this experience again. If you're a veteran who fought in either World War II, Korean War, or the Vietnam War, look into this experience. If you're not, take an honor flight it will change your life. If anything, find out when they're leaving and arriving and be a part of the welcoming committee at the Albany Airport!

Swipe through ⬅️We arrived at the Baltimore gate yesterday morning to a water salute, got off of the plane to multiple representatives from each branch of the military shaking their hands, and got on the bus with one last salute of appreciation. These men and women deserved every second of it! 🇺🇸 #PatriotFlight

A post shared by Jess Sims (@jesscsims) on Apr 29, 2018 at 1:42pm PDT