Bob Denver
Gilligan (Bob Denver), 'Gilligan's Island' Gilligan is the bumbling, accident-prone First Mate aboard the ill-fated S.S. Minnow, which became stranded on a deserted island during a three-hour tour. Gilligan is often responsible for inadvertently ruining the castaways' repeated attempts to get off the island.
ALWAYS FREE HONOR FLIGHT MAY 15, 2013
Always Free Honor Flight
WELCOMING WEST VIRGINIA VETERANS TO WASHINGTON
WEST VIRGINIA SEN. JOE MANCHIN
On the 68th anniversary of D-Day – June 6, 2012 – I was so proud to welcome 31 veterans from West Virginia to the nation’s capital for the state’s inaugural “Always Free Honor Flight,” a complimentary trip for our veterans to see the monuments built for their service and sacrifice.
It was such an honor to have these veterans join us in Washington. I have always said that West Virginia is one of the most patriotic states in this great nation, and we are so proud of the number of veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserve and active duty members who have served our country with honor and distinction.
This was a very special group of West Virginia veterans. Twelve served in World War II, three served in the Korean War and 16 served in Vietnam.
These heroes engaged in combat across the globe, fighting in the Aleutian Islands, England, Normandy, France, Germany, Luxemburg, the South Pacific, the Philippines, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Some served here at home, servicing aircraft with ammunition. Some served in historic events, such as the Battle of the Bulge, the liberation of the Philippines and the many important battles in the Pacific theatre. They took on different roles, serving as infantrymen, door gunners, support soldiers, and medics. One brave World War II veteran received the Honor of Legion-Chevalier Award from the French Embassy.
These veterans came from all parts of our great state – from Welch to Beckley to Huntington to Princeton to Bluefield to Lester and all of the places in between.
In addition to the veterans who visited us, a number of volunteer escorts accompanied them. Several of these escorts were representing their deceased fathers who served in various wars throughout the years. Three of our World War II veterans were accompanied by their sons, who themselves are veterans of the Vietnam War.
Service is truly a family tradition in our state, and the nation.
Our veterans had a full day’s journey on the first-ever “Always Free Honor Flight” from West Virginia. They left Princeton, West Virginia at 2:15 in the morning, and battled Washington, D.C. traffic to arrive by bus. They returned to West Virginia after touring our beautiful Capitol building, the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial and the Iwo Jima Memorial.
These monuments to service and sacrifice carry a profound meaning for everyone in this country. That’s why I was proud to tour the World War II monument with this special group. Standing among our veterans when they first stepped on the World War II Memorial, I know these sites took on an even more special meaning.
It was the first time for many of these veterans to see these monuments, which is why I am very grateful for the hard work of the West Virginians who made this trip possible by bringing the Honor Flight Network to our state – The Denver Foundation and Little Buddy Radio located in Princeton. These nonprofits were founded by Bob Denver – also known as Gilligan from Gilligan’s Island – and his wife Dreama, a West Virginia native. Their love of West Virginia, their vision and their dedication to service have truly been a gift to our great state.
I commend the organizers of the “Always Free Honor Flight” for their dedication, and for giving West Virginia just one more way to say ‘thank you’ to our veterans for their service and sacrifice.
I have always said that we owe all our service men and women more than a debt of gratitude. Showing our appreciation is something we should do each and every day. That said, the Honor Flight is a special opportunity where we can pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation
WEST VIRGINIA SEN. JOE MANCHIN
On the 68th anniversary of D-Day – June 6, 2012 – I was so proud to welcome 31 veterans from West Virginia to the nation’s capital for the state’s inaugural “Always Free Honor Flight,” a complimentary trip for our veterans to see the monuments built for their service and sacrifice.
It was such an honor to have these veterans join us in Washington. I have always said that West Virginia is one of the most patriotic states in this great nation, and we are so proud of the number of veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserve and active duty members who have served our country with honor and distinction.
This was a very special group of West Virginia veterans. Twelve served in World War II, three served in the Korean War and 16 served in Vietnam.
These heroes engaged in combat across the globe, fighting in the Aleutian Islands, England, Normandy, France, Germany, Luxemburg, the South Pacific, the Philippines, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. Some served here at home, servicing aircraft with ammunition. Some served in historic events, such as the Battle of the Bulge, the liberation of the Philippines and the many important battles in the Pacific theatre. They took on different roles, serving as infantrymen, door gunners, support soldiers, and medics. One brave World War II veteran received the Honor of Legion-Chevalier Award from the French Embassy.
These veterans came from all parts of our great state – from Welch to Beckley to Huntington to Princeton to Bluefield to Lester and all of the places in between.
In addition to the veterans who visited us, a number of volunteer escorts accompanied them. Several of these escorts were representing their deceased fathers who served in various wars throughout the years. Three of our World War II veterans were accompanied by their sons, who themselves are veterans of the Vietnam War.
Service is truly a family tradition in our state, and the nation.
Our veterans had a full day’s journey on the first-ever “Always Free Honor Flight” from West Virginia. They left Princeton, West Virginia at 2:15 in the morning, and battled Washington, D.C. traffic to arrive by bus. They returned to West Virginia after touring our beautiful Capitol building, the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial and the Iwo Jima Memorial.
These monuments to service and sacrifice carry a profound meaning for everyone in this country. That’s why I was proud to tour the World War II monument with this special group. Standing among our veterans when they first stepped on the World War II Memorial, I know these sites took on an even more special meaning.
It was the first time for many of these veterans to see these monuments, which is why I am very grateful for the hard work of the West Virginians who made this trip possible by bringing the Honor Flight Network to our state – The Denver Foundation and Little Buddy Radio located in Princeton. These nonprofits were founded by Bob Denver – also known as Gilligan from Gilligan’s Island – and his wife Dreama, a West Virginia native. Their love of West Virginia, their vision and their dedication to service have truly been a gift to our great state.
I commend the organizers of the “Always Free Honor Flight” for their dedication, and for giving West Virginia just one more way to say ‘thank you’ to our veterans for their service and sacrifice.
I have always said that we owe all our service men and women more than a debt of gratitude. Showing our appreciation is something we should do each and every day. That said, the Honor Flight is a special opportunity where we can pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great nation
ALWAYS FREE HONOR FLIGHT 2012
West Virginia Always Free Veteran Application
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