Westford Man participates In Honor Flight

[Henry]

Hi Henry,
Don't know if you knew that Uncle Laurent Lavallee went on the Honor Flight Network to Washington D.C., that left yesterday.
One of 15. Free of charge, and medical equipment is taken care of, also.
There is a picture on Facebook on Vermont State Police Photo.
Sorry, I don't know how to link it.
Denise Palmer and Lucy Page have it listed on their FB page.

Jo


I believe Laurent is 7th from the left

SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT:  On 06/07/14, Troopers from the Vermont State Williston barracks had the privilege to interact with participated in the North Country Honor Flight program.  The Troopers felt it important to support the Honors Flight Network's mission which is to help all American veterans, willing and able, to travel to Washington DC to visit their memorials (free of charge to the veterans).

The group consisting of 15 Vermont resident World War II veterans and family members, left South Burlington, VT and were escorted to the New York State line by members of the VT State Police. NY State Police then intercepted and accompanied the group the remainder of the way to Albany Airport, where they boarded a plane to Washington, DC.

Prior to departing from South Burlington, Troopers had time to interact with many of the participants and their families.  During this period, Troopers learned of the immeasurable acts of courage & sacrifice these veterans made for their country and took time to properly thank them for their service.

State Police asks that all media or personal requests for information regarding North Country Honor Flights, be directed to NorthCountryHonorFlight.org or call VT Regional Director Bill Aldrich at (802) 985-2843, email wilum447@att.net<mailto:wilum447@att.net> .

Sgt. Bob Lucas
Vermont State Police
Troop "A" Williston Barracks
2777 St. George Road
Williston, VT 05495
(802)878-7111 office
robert.j.lucas@state.vt.us<mailto:robert.j.lucas@state.vt.us>


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[janet]

The veteran in yellow shirt and blue pants (8th from left) is my brother in law Robert Coon from St. Albans.  He was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne and participated in the Battle of the Bulge in France during the war.  Thank you to all the servicemen who served during WW Two. 
 Sounds like a wonderful trip for all of them.  Thank you to all who made it possible.
     Janet Coon

[ansbaker]

I was one of the Troopers who had the honor of being a part of the escort for the Honor Flight.  It was truly a privilege to meet and talk with these men.  It was our pleasure to be able to provide them with an escort to the New York State line.  I hope they enjoyed their trip to Washington, D.C. 

Tpr. Angela Baker

[Henry]

Angela, it must have been a great privilege for you.  I was born in 1933 & remember just about every single family being touched by some member leaving & it being months before they heard from their families or vice versa.  I believe that that both Laurent's brotherRoger & his wife Elaine were both in WWII.  Janet Coon mentions one of Sterlings relatives.  I clipped the photo from Facebook, Angela, are you aware if they have identified these men who participated??

[Henry]

JoAnne sent me this note about her uncle Laurent:

We had heard he was going. I believe his daughter, Ann Drinkwine went with him. 
He seems quite well, and his mind is very sharp. Fun to visit with.

[Stand Alone Defense]

True Heroes all of them!!  There is a reason they are called America's greatest generation.  Us Veterans of today can not hold a candle to what these mean have done and gone through, they truly are amazing.  I often turn to the thought of them and what they have done in my self pity moments and it sure does put things in perspective.  I hope that they enjoyed their trip and each others company.

Thank you Angela and the rest of VSP for taking time to give these men a proper escort.