Larry the Cable Guy Sends Vets to WW2 Memorial

[AmateisGal]

No matter if you like the comedian Larry the Cable guy or not, I thought this was pretty awesome of him to do.

"Larry the Cable Guy Sends Nebraska Vets to WWII Memorial"

http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2008/02/25/news/nebraska/doc47c2024a02f45564879921.txt

BY LAURA CHAPMAN/Lincoln Journal Star
Sunday, Feb 24, 2008 - 10:03:54 pm CST


Larry the Cable Guy and his family have donated money to pay for 100 World War II veterans to visit the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., in May.

Dan Whitney, the Nebraska-native comedian’s real name, and his wife, Cara, decided to give the money to the Heartland Honor Flight after they were contacted by organizers of the trip, said Bill Williams of Omaha, who first proposed the flight. The Veterans of Foreign Wars had been seeking $70,000 to finance the first flight of veterans to the nation's capital.

Plans call for a chartered flight to depart from Omaha on May 21, its occupants spending the day in Washington, D.C., and returning that night -- all free for 100 World War II vets from Nebraska and western Iowa.Trip organizers contacted the Whitneys because Larry the Cable Guy is known for his support of U.S. troops and they thought he might be interested.

Williams said the Whitneys’ contribution will finance the trip for the first 100 of more than 300 veterans who have applied for a chance to go.

In addition to the Whitneys’ donation, Williams said, about $40,000 has already been raised. Organizers hope people continue to donate so a second and possibly third flight can be arranged.

“We want to give every World War II veteran who wants to go a chance to go,” said Williams.

Williams said the 100 veterans who will go on the first flight have been notified and are excited to see the monument many never thought they’d live to see.

“This is their last hurrah.”

 

[KilroyCD]

Bravo!! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[leaette]

I wish I had money to do something like that. More reason to play the Powerball I guess.

 

[kampkatz]

Great tribute to the Greatest Generation. Several years ago some friends rounded up WW2 vets and took them by van to Reading Airshow's WW2 Weekend. The senior citizens really appreciated the effort. They also shared priceless memories. In a few years we will run out of these fine gentlemen(and a few ladies). Too bad we've waited so long for most of the tributes.

 

[warbird]

Everyone who has the opportunity should see the WWII memorial. It is a stunning addition to the mall.

When I was there last it was with a friend who works at the pentagon. He volunteers his time to help the vets get around who were flown in for the visit. Bob Dole heard about the group of vets and came down unannounced to meet the vets and their families and everyone told stories. Having grown up in a large military family with 18 family members as career servicemen in WWII who are all gone now, it was very moving to say the least. It also made me wish I could turn back the clock a few years when they were all still here.

 

[Mr. K.L.Bowers]

He "got er done" this time.