Flag City Honor Flight, the Findlay-based hub of the National Honor Flight Network, will offer three flights in 2022, after pausing flights for two years due to the pandemic.

All veterans interested in making the trip are encouraged to apply now. Flights are open to veterans of all eras, but World War II era veterans are always given priority. Those scheduled to fly in 2021 can be assured that they will be first on the list to fly in 2022.

On June 7, Sept. 13 and Nov. 1, 2022, Flag City Honor Flight will take approximately 80 veterans per flight, accompanied by their guardians, on a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the war memorials built in their honor.

The trips are made possible by the donations. Veterans pay nothing. They are accompanied by guardians who are asked to make a tax-deductible donation to help with expenses.

Veterans and guardians depart for Toledo Express Airport from various locations, with some veterans and guardians receiving an escort from the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Wood County Sheriff’s Office, Lucas County Sheriff’s Office and Legion Riders.

Following breakfast at the Grand Aire hangar, the group departs via charter jet at 8 a.m., arriving at 9:30 a.m.

Upon arrival in Washington, the veterans and guardians travel by bus to the World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and Air Force Memorials and observe the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

The return flight arrives back in Toledo at approximately 9:30 p.m., where there is a welcome home ceremony with family members and friends, followed by “Mail Call.”

All Flag City Honor Flight veterans and guardians who participate in flight day are required to have received the coronavirus vaccine and submit proof of vaccination. All necessary COVID-19 safety protocols in place at flight time will be followed as well.

Flag City Honor Flight is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and has organized and operated a trip each June beginning in 2011 and added a second annual trip in 2017. 2022 will be the organization’s first year to offer three annual flights. Flag City Honor Flight welcomes veterans from across Northwest Ohio but will take any U.S. Veteran and coordinates with other Honor Flight hubs to provide that opportunity.

Veterans and their families can access the application to fly and learn more at flagcityhonorflight.org.