KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – HonorAir Knoxville, the nonprofit that brought East Tennessee veterans to Washington, D.C., will stop operations this spring.
The news of its end came Thursday when a spokesperson for HonorAir said the final flight to Washington would take off in April.
HonorAir used donated funds to take East Tennessee veterans from World War II to Washington to see the memorials built in their honor. After several years operating, HonorAir expanded to include Korean and Vietnam War veterans.
“By its final flight, the organization will have attempted to honor every eligible WWII, Korean and Vietnam veteran in East Tennessee who wished to make the journey,“ a notice from HonorAir said. “Over nearly twenty years, HonorAir Knoxville has conducted 38 in-person flights and three virtual flights, honoring more than 4,500 veterans, supported entirely by volunteers and funded by over $3.5 million in community donations.”
Eddie Mannis is the group’s founder and president. He said the move to end HonorAir wasn’t a financial one.
“Our Board believes the organization has fulfilled — and exceeded — its mission,” Mannis said. “This is not an ending born of loss, but one rooted in completion, gratitude and deep respect for what this community accomplished together.”
The nonprofit’s notice said any remaining funds would be dealt with publicly and within the intent of donors. HonorAir also said it’s continuing outreach to make sure any veteran interested in heading north by the final April 8 flight would have the chance.
Those interested in signing up for the flight can do so here.
