Veterans’ issues are often contemplated in Albany as we work to protect the rights and benefits of our brave service men and women who continually sacrifice to keep New York and its families safe. The 2012 legislative session was no exception, and I will detail a few pieces of legislation that passed this year in a moment. First, I want to pass along information concerning a wonderful initiative that focuses on World War II veterans – the Honor Flight Network.

In 1998, Earl Morse, a physician assistant and retired Air Force captain, was hired by the Department of Veterans Affairs to work in a small Ohio clinic. In May of 2004, the World War II Memorial was finally completed and dedicated in Washington, D.C. and quickly became the topic of discussion among his World War II veteran patients. Earl learned that many of them were not financially able or physically able to make the journey to Washington D.C. alone. So, he started the Honor Flight Network with the goal of helping all veterans in America visit their memorial. The inaugural flight was in May 2005.