Stan Cass, LTC retired
Honor Flight Northern Colorado (HFNC) sent its last group of 60 plus WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans with their guardians in early September to Washington D.C. This last flight was a memorial tribute to Founder and retired Army Colonel Stan Cass, who passed away last April.
The last tribute flight two-day journey began at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, where over 2,500 of the veterans’ families, past HFNC attendees, and local military personnel attended the final send-off for the last group of HFNC veterans. The morning program began with a local military color guard and National Anthem, opening comments by President Lee Seward with thanks to all veterans by Congressman Ken Buck and Senator Cory Gardner before the last HFNC veterans boarded their buses to Denver International Airport (DIA).
It was quite a spectacle as the four buses were esc orted by two helicopters and a local law enforcement motorcycle and car brigade followed by a combat veterans motorcycle brigade, and other veterans and their families in a five-mile caravan. Many residents waved flags or saluted the veterans as the caravan passed the Mile of Smiles along the I-25 corridor. Upon arriving at DIA, US. Air Force personnel welcomed the HFNC veterans as they climbed off the buses. A final send-off and honor guard was recognized before the veterans boarded their chartered plane to visit Washington D.C.
Out of 143 Honor Flight chapters throughout the U.S., the HFNC chapter has sent nearly 3,000 WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans to Washington D.C. to visit many military war memorials, Arlington National Cemetery, and the President Lincoln Memorial as seen on the HFNC Facebook page.
Upon returning to DIA, the veterans received personal Thank You letters from local elementary school children and at the Embassy Suites, many veterans’ families, former HFNC veterans and supporters welcomed the returning veterans.
After 10 years, the Honor Flight Board agreed to finalize this last flight as they met their goals of sending many WWII veterans from Northern Colorado. In the words of Founder Stan Cass and highlighted at the last flight, “Mission Accomplished!” As Stan and HFNC volunteers would say to all veterans, “Thank You for Your Service!” with a final salute and “Welcome Home!” 50 Plus also thanks all veterans, donation supporters, and HFNC volunteers for their outstanding contribution!