Blue Grass Energy and Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives’ sponsored Honor Flight returned to a rousing welcome home ceremony at Blue Grass Airport on Sept. 16 after a full day of touring Washington, D.C. The flight transported 66 Kentucky veterans to see their memorials on the National Mall.

This is the 12th the cooperatives have sponsored an Honor Flight. Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives began working with Honor Flight in 2010 to honor Kentucky’s veterans.

This flight carried one World War II, eight Korean War veterans and two women veterans, who were inducted into the Military Women’s Memorial during the trip. The other veterans served our country during the Vietnam War. Two Purple Heart recipients were amongst the veterans on this trip.

Blue Grass Energy sponsored Omer Cowherd, Jr. of Salvisa, and John Foley of Lexington, on this year’s Honor Flight. 

“A highlight of the day for me was witnessing the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery with my son,” said Cowherd. His son, Omer Cowherd, III, accompanied his dad on the trip as his guardian.  Another special memory of the day for Cowherd was their plane receiving a water cannon salute when they landed in D.C. “I was surprised at that. Everything was first class. The whole day was really special.”

Mr. Foley, who served in the Marine Corp., had similar thoughts on their Honor Flight. “My son, Brandon Foley, also a Marine Corp. veteran, was my guardian for the day. It really meant a lot to me to visit the Marine Corp War Memorial with him. It was very special,” said Foley. “This Honor Flight has made a difference in my life.”

“It’s a privilege to be able to fly these veterans to their memorials, and it’s an opportunity to repay them in some small way for their service to our nation and our community,” said Mike Williams, Blue Grass Energy President & CEO.

“Honor Flight is a significant part of Blue Grass Energy’s commitment to our local communities,” Williams said.

As in years past, veterans flew from Lexington to Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., where they boarded three buses for a full day of honors and sightseeing.

The day included viewing the changing-of-the-guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Kentucky veterans also participated in a wreath-laying service at the tomb.

Learn more at www.honorflightky.org.