4 • The Beacon November 23 , 2023
Annual Honor Flight Luncheon held
By Josie Sellers
World War II veteran Irwin
Gibson and Vietnam veteran Dave Dilly helped start a trend in Coshocton County .
“ I went on my first Honor Flight in 2012 ,” Dilly said . “ There were three World War II and two Korean veterans on it . Irwin and I are the only ones left from that group .”
Since then 150 veterans and 25 guardians from Coshocton County have taken the special flight from Columbus to Washington , D . C . to see the monuments . Every year they gather to share their stories . This year the luncheon celebration was held Nov . 16 at the Coshocton Senior Center .
Dilly , who has gone as a guardian multiple times and as a veteran , said you are never too old to go .
“ We had a 99-year-old on one and a 100-year-old lady on one ,” he said . “ They can make accommodations for anybody . The memories you make on the trip are ones you will never forget . I don ’ t know anyone who has gone that had a bad experience . They were all tired but enjoyed it .”
Dilly reminded everyone the trip is free for the veteran .
“ Your food and flight are paid for ,” he said . “ You just have to show up and enjoy it . The welcome home is the best part for me .”
Miss Ohio Madison Miller started her involvement with the program by participating in welcome home ceremonies at the airport in Columbus . She then moved on to serving as a guardian and helping veterans on their trip to D . C .
“ We get to see history through your eyes and your love and passion for when you served your country ,” Miller said . “ You are all incredible . From the bottom of my heart , thank you for your service and welcome home .”
Beth Johnson , executive director of Honor Flight Columbus , also spoke at the luncheon . She said the organization has served
“
The memories you make on the trip are ones you will never forget . I don ’ t know anyone who has gone that had a bad experience . They were all tired but enjoyed it .”
Dave Dilly
more than 9,000 veterans since 2007 and is planning 10 flights for its next season . She encouraged veterans to get their applications for the flight in and to check out the new eligibility requirements . If you are age 65 or over and served full-time active duty outside of basic training or spent 20 years in the guard or reserves , you can sign up for an Honor Flight .
For more information on Honor Flight Columbus , visit www . honorflightcmh . org or call the Coshocton County Veterans Service Office at 740-622-2313 .
Josie Sellers
Miss Ohio Madison Miller was a guest speaker at the annual Honor Flight luncheon . She has participated in welcome home ceremonies for Honor Flights and gone on trips as a guardian .
Josie Sellers
Sharon Burns from the Blue Star Mothers presented Beth Johnson from Honor Flight Columbus with a $ 1,000 donation . “ We are blessed to be able to help ,” Burns said . Pictured at their left is Dave Dilly .
Josie Sellers
Vietnam veteran Dave Dilly has helped organize multiple Honor Flight trips for local veterans . He is pictured sharing information about photos from trips over the years that were included in a slide show .