Honor Flight Savannah takes area Veterans to DC memorials

Group photo in Washington, D.C. - photo by Photos submitted

Honor Flight group — Group photo in Washington, D.C. - photo by Photos submitted

honor flight 23 — The Honor Flight group from Effingham County laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers in Arlington National Cemetery. - photo by photo submitted

Twice a year, Honor Flight Savannah takes area veterans on a weekend trip to see their war and service branch memorials in Washington, DC.

Trips are scheduled in October and May to hopefully catch the best weather.

The last two trips have left by motor coach from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina; but in May 2024, Jerry Maennache, coordinator for Effingham County for Honor Flight Savannah, is hoping to leave from Springfield.

He is currently looking for a venue for the Friday night dinner and volunteers to cook and serve dinner to veterans and their guardians. The trip, lodging, and all meals are free for the veterans, thanks to generous donations from the public.

For contact more information about future Honor Flights or to make a donation, contact Maennche at 912-663-0322; or click on the organization website at: www.honorflightsavannah.org.

The Veterans attending were:

Peter Johnson, Guyton US Army, Vietnam

Richard Lopez, Clyo US Navy, Vietnam

John W. Mackay, Guyton US Air Force, Vietnam

Robert Usher, Springfield US Army, Vietnam

Jerry Maennche, Springfield US Army, Vietnam

Their Guardians were:

Porter Seckinger, Clyo with Robert Usher

Michael Bodner, Guyton with Paul Bodner (father)

Tom Edmonds, Guyton with Terry Browning