When the Lublin American Legion, Lublin American Legion Auxiliary and Lublin Sons of the American Legion met on June 20, Jim Campbell, co-founder of Never Forgotten Honor Flight, came to speak to them about what going on an Honor Flight means to veterans.

Campbell said that they have flown over 4,600 veterans to Washington D.C. as part of Never Forgotten Honor Flight. This includes 223 veterans from Taylor County.

The wait list to get on the Honor Flight is currently 1½ years. Veterans who served prior to May 7, 1975 are given priority. Currently they have at least one Vietnam veteran a day sign up.

Campbell said the trip helps veterans get closure. It changes their lives and their families lives. He said this is the first “Welcome Home” that many of the veterans have gotten, Vietnam Veterans, in particular.

Campbell suggested not saying “Thank you for your service” to veterans but instead saying “Thank you for our freedom.” He said that will get a different response.

He spoke about a veteran, who after going on the Honor Flight began to talk about his experiences, saying, “I’ve decided I cannot take my stories to my grave.”

A question was asked about why spouses can’t go as the veterans chaperone. Campbell said it is a national policy. It is not a husband/wife trip but an opportunity for veterans to spend time together. He said 90% of guardians are known to the veteran they travel with.

Campbell’s time with the Lublin Legion Family ended with a check presentation. The Legion donated $1,000 and the Auxiliary and SAL donated $500 each. Campbell said this would allow four veterans the opportunity to go on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight.