Pandemic grounds 2020 Greater Lafayette Honor Flight

The pandemic has grounded the Greater Lafayette Honor Flight this year, but that's not the only problem to come from COVID-19.

The lives of local veterans since 2012.

But the pandemic has grounded the program this year.

That's not the only problem to come from covid-19.

News 18's samantha thieke reports why it's so important for people to step up and help the program continue.

Thompson "this is a way to say, 'thank you'".

Since 2012, the greater lafayette honor flight has been doing just that.

Bol "i've met guys that are really bitter because of the things they've done or seen.

The way they were treated when they come home.

A whole variety of reasons.

A lot of them don't talk about it, and then they get there.

They see how we take care of them, how we introduce them to people in d.c.

That just stop and thank them for their service.

They're just blown away."

Vietnam veteran mark thompson was one of those people...until he went on a flight with his father-in-law in 2012.

Thompson "i was a little reluctant, but i'm glad i did because it turned me around."

The program takes veterans and their guardian to the nation's capitol for one day.

Many spend their time visiting historic landmarks and embracing history.

For veterans like thompson, it allowed him to reconnect with people who served when he did.

Thompson "he saw the emblem on my hat, and he said, 'well, we used to hall fuel to you people.'

So, right there was kind of an acceptance if you will."

But the opportunity ended briefly in 2018.

Fortunately, the program was revived in 2019.

Program president kevin bol says the organization was able to raise enough money for a may 2020 flight.

Then... bol "we had a full plan, booked, ready to go, paid for, and then covid."

The flight was then set for october.

Bol "well that diturn 5 veterans and their guardians for the day are forced to wait until the pandemic is over.

But the wait may be too long for some.

Thompson says two veterans have died waiting for this particular flight.

Thompson "unfortunately the age group of the wwii veterans.

It's getting harder and harder to find vets that are physically able to go."

The pandemic has also had an impact on the program's fundraisers.

Bol "people are hunkered down and staying home.

So, it's affecting funds."

Bol says most fundraisers have been cancelled.

A recent virtual 5-k raised some money.

But bol worries it won't be enough.

Bol "if we don't raise the money, we don't get to fly, and it's expensive.

Each flight costs between 125 to 150- thousand dollars in total.

Thomspon hopes the program can make it through the pandemic, so other vets can get a chance to have the life-changing experience.

Thompson "before 2012, nobody knew except my family that i had been in the service, let alone vietname.

It turned me around."

Samantha thieke, news 18.

The flight originally scheduled for last may is tentatively scheduled for sometime this spring.

It all depends on if it's safe enough to go.

For more information on how you can donate to the greater lafayette honor flight program, head to wlfi dot com.

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