Battelle Counting Down the Days Until We Honor our Heroes

In just a few more days, something truly extraordinary is set to happen. We have, for the second year in a row, sponsored and will assist a group of veterans, who bravely served our nation, as they embark on a journey of gratitude, remembrance and honor.

Battelle is proud to sponsor Honor Flight Columbus No. 127 as part of our greater mission of translating scientific discovery and technology advances into societal benefit. Since opening our doors in 1929, Battelle has been committed to charitable giving to support civic and community causes, and to serving the nation. Since improving armor plating for Allied tanks in 1939, Battelle’s commitment to national security and protecting the American war fighter has been steadfast. We take immense pride in sponsoring Honor Flight Columbus and to giving back to those who have given so much to their country.

Photo: The flag that flew over the Capitol building during last year's Honor Flight.

Honor Flight Columbus is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring America’s veterans from WWII through the Vietnam War with a trip to Washington DC to visit their service and war memorials. These trips are free of charge to any qualified veteran. Since 2007, Honor Flight Columbus has flown 123 missions to Washington D.C., transporting more than 8,900 veterans to visit the memorials and monuments dedicated to their service and sacrifice. These flights offer veterans a chance to connect with their own history and pay respects to their fellow comrades, and to have an extra special homecoming.

Like any mission these veterans experienced while on active duty, an Honor Flight involves significant planning, support and a dedicated team of individuals ready to make it all happen. In preparation for this year’s flight, 15 Battelle employees, many of them veterans themselves, received training for their roles as “Guardians.” The role of the Guardian is to attend to each veteran and supply logistics support, with a focus on their safety, comfort, well-being and enjoyment of the day.

Photo: U.S. Army Veteran John Fabing, Battelle Guardian and U.S. Marine Corp Veteran Michael Kovach with U.S. Marine Corp Veteran Mike Adkins at the U.S. Marine Corp War Memorial.

With less than a week left until Honor Flight Columbus No 127 takes to the air, the excitement is palpable. Veterans, guardians and volunteers are getting ready to embark on a journey that will touch their hearts and souls.

Honor Flight 127 will depart at 0800 hours on Nov. 2 and return to Columbus at 2000 hours. Anyone in the Columbus area at the time of the return should consider stopping by John Glenn International Airport in Columbus to welcome the veterans home.

Photo: A Battelle guardian hugging a veteran during Honor Flight #118

Honor Flight Columbus is funded entirely by donations from various businesses, foundations, school organizations, and other grateful Americans. If you are interested in supporting future Honor Flights, please visit https://www.honorflightcmh.org/donate-today.