1. MISSION 14

2.  On May 29, 2004, President Bush dedicated the World War II Memorial to honor “The Greatest Generation.”  Regrettably, very few of these veterans have the funds or physical stamina to complete a conventional trip to Washington, D.C. on their own.

3.  It is our intention to honor as many of these selfless “ordinary people who saved the world” as we can by providing them a FREE trip to visit their memorial.  Our program operates on donations from organizations and individuals.  We also provide trained “guardians” who personally escort the veterans on the aircraft and accompany them to the memorials throughout the day.  Guardians pay their own way.  Medical attendants are NOT provided.

4.  We have safely transported thousands of veterans as guests of the Honor Flight Network from all across the United States.  To assist disabled veterans, Honor Flight provides oxygen, wheelchairs and scooters as needed.  The flights, deluxe tour bus service, tee shirts, scooters, wheelchairs, oxygen, meals, and other amenities are provided FREE to our WWII Veterans.

5.  Every veteran deserves to visit his or her memorial.  The Honor Flight Network is determined to accomplish this mission as long as funding and volunteers are available.  The terminally ill and WWII Veterans are our top priority, followed by those Korean and Vietnam Veterans who have never been able to visit their memorial.

6.  Our flying season is March through November.  During the winter months we continue to expand our operations by conducting fund raising, educating the public, training new guardians, and establishing new hubs across the country.

7. Honor Flight Rochester: Mission 14 Information Video Watch an informational DVD about the Honor Flight This video is about Mission 14. It is a powerful description of what the Veterans are feeling about this experience.

8.  I am going to pass out the name of a Veteran that is going on Mission 30.  You will see LAST and FIRST name, hometown, and a little biographical information.  Take a minute to read about your Veteran.

9.  In your letters, I suggest the following:  A little background about yourself (I am a 7 th grade student at Caledonia-Mumford Middle School…)  A synopsis of what you learned about the Veteran (found in the biographical info) Ex: “I heard that you…”  Questions you may have for the Veteran and any connections that you may have with him or her  A thank you for the Veteran’s service. A picture? (perhaps hand drawn or one found online that relates to the vet. The ship he was on, etc….)  Signature

10.  Each letter will be put into an envelope with the school’s name on the return address and the Veteran’s name should be on the front  Leave the envelope unsealed  Sometimes you may get a response sent back to you which is very exciting!  Place the letters into alphabetical order according to the Veteran’s last names.  This is an extremely exciting time for the vets as mail call is announced on the plane on the way to DC

11. Caledonia-Mumford Middle School Joe Smith

12.  Unfortunately, there will most likely be a few vets who drop out and are replaced with another.  Consequently, we will need to write a few generic letters for those veterans.  No names are needed but a letter of thanks and best wishes.  These can be put in a school envelope addressed, “Veteran”

13. Caledonia-Mumford Middle School Veteran

14. Organizer for Letters to the Vets Paragraph 1: Introduce yourself *

15. Paragraph 2: What have you learned about the Veteran? Example: I heard that you… *

16. Paragraph 3: Questions you have. Any connections you can make. *

17. Paragraph 4: Thank you (include a picture of something you learned about the Veteran) * Sincerely, Your name

18.  Finish Rough Draft

19. September 9, 2013 Dear Mr./Ms. First and Last Name, I am currently a 7 th grade student at Caledonia- Mumford Middle School.

20. Paragraph 1 continued… Paragraph 2…. Paragraph 3…. Paragraph 4….

21. Paragraph 4 continued… Sincerely, Joe