WNCSource Transportation went the extra mile to help Western NC veterans and their supporters get to and from the Asheville Airport during the recent Blue Ridge Honor Flight (BRHF) on October 14th. Based in Hendersonville, BRHF organizes 2 to 3 Honor Flights per year to transport military veterans and their “travel guardians” to Washington, DC. While there, they attended a patriotic ceremony and visited the monuments and memorials commemorating their service to our country. After a day full of activities and fellowship, the veterans (some in their 90’s!) flew back home and were greeted at the airport by a crowd of cheering supporters dressed in red, white and blue! The October flight carried veterans from World War II, Vietnam War, and the Korean War.
Over the past few years, WNCSource has proudly partnered with BRHF to assist with local transportation in and around the airport. Maintenance Coordinator Bill Gibbs said that there’s no shortage of WNCSource drivers who volunteer their time to drive the busses that day. Some are veterans themselves who enjoy giving a lift to other vets. Driver Ken Deusa explains “I have a profound and deep respect for the veterans of our armed services. I count it a great privilege to serve them in any way!”
Gibbs went on to say that while they began transporting veterans and their travel guardians at 5:30AM, the real fun came when they returned later that evening. “We shuttled in hundreds of family members, fans and supporters, ROTC members, even marching bagpipers and drummers. They came to greet the veterans in the airport terminal. It was amazing to witness the patriotic homecoming celebration for our service men and women!”
WNCSource Transportation enjoys providing private airport shuttle service for the veterans, family members and supporters during the Blue Ridge Honor Flights. For information on upcoming flights, visit BlueRidgeHonorFlight.com to register and/or support a vet!
