American Airlines partnered with the Gary Sinise Foundation and The National WWII Museum to fly 15 veterans and 18 students to New Orleans on a donated flight.

PHOENIX — It was a special send-off for 15 World War II veterans and Valley students at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on Wednesday morning, ahead of their departure to New Orleans on a donated charter flight.

RELATED: How to submit your ‘Those Who Serve’ story

The group is traveling to visit the National WWII Museum, on a trip made possible thanks to a partnership between American Airlines and the Gary Sinise Foundation.

“We’re here to thank the World War II generation,” said Randy Stillinger, military and veterans initiatives manager for American Airlines. “We owe a debt of gratitude… we like to say at American, we fly freely around the world, because of what you’ve done, so thank you to our World War II veterans.”

Bagpipes could be heard throughout the airport as the veterans were escorted to a special ceremony.

“This is an incredibly exciting and humbling moment today, where we get to salute our World War II heroes,” said Sophia Philis-Ortiz, vice president of Phoenix operations.

The national anthem was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer.

“What’s even more special is seeing our future generations partnered up with these veterans to learn what they went through so they can share their stories with family and friends,” she said.  

WWII veteran Wing Lai, who served from 1943 to 1946, said he is looking forward to seeing the museum.

“Everything is beautiful here… I’m just happy to be here,” he said.

Lai said he hopes some of what he recalls is documented.                            

“I hope some of my view is stated or displayed at the museum,” said Lai.

He also had a message to military members currently serving.

“War is hell,” said Lai. “…and if we ever get into another war, which I hope not, I hope that they all come back in one piece, because my brother and my wife’s brother did not come back in one piece.”  

This departure was especially meaningful, as this is one of only two remaining charter flights left in this historic partnership.

During this send-off, retired Lt. Col. James AG received a heartfelt surprise when he discovered his granddaughter and his daughter, who are both flight attendants, were part of the flight crew.

“Oh, I’m going to cry…” his granddaughter said.

“Oh, I know… It’s okay to cry, this is incredible,” said Julie Rath, senior vice president of global airports, contact centers, and service recovery.

It’s not only an incredible honor for the WWII veterans heading to New Orleans, but also a priceless opportunity for the students traveling alongside them.

They will be away for several days in New Orleans, including recording the veterans’ oral histories at the Museum.

“We’re humbled to be part of moments like these, that pay tribute to our veterans and honor these legacies,” said Rath. “We are so proud of all of you.”

According to American Airlines’ military and veterans initiatives manager, in addition to the Soaring Valor flights they have done four times a year for the past 10 years, they also support Gary and the Lt. Dan Band by providing charter planes as he travels around the country.

Stillinger said in December they do ‘Snowball Express’ taking the families of fallen to Disneyworld, and they also support The Medal of Honor Foundation and its new museum in Arlington, Texas, among other similar organizations like the USO, Chef Irvine’s Foundation.

They took 68 WWII veterans to Normandy, France, for the 80th anniversary of D-Day last year.


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