(WBEN)
53 local veterans boarded a special Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight headed to Washington, D.C.Saturday.
Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight helps transport our nation's oldest veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War to visit the memorials honoring their service and sacrifice to their country, all at no charge to the veterans.
BUFFALO, N.Y.; May 4, 2019—Thanks to generous charitable contributions from M&T Bank and theBuffalo Bills Foundation, 53 local veterans boarded a special Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight headed toWashington, D.C. on Saturday, May 4.Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight helps transport our nation's oldest veterans who served in World War II,the Korean War and the Vietnam War to visit the memorials honoring their service and sacrifice to theircountry, all at no charge to the veterans.Escorted by 10 volunteers from M&T Bank and Buffalo Bills, including Cornerbacks Levi Wallace andTaron Johnson, the group departed Saturday morning, May 4, from the Buffalo Niagara InternationalAirport and will return late in the evening. Prior to takeoff, the organizations held a special sendoffceremony to make it a truly memorable experience for the veterans."This flight is especially meaningful to our employees, many of whom are veterans themselves and knowfirsthand the sacrifices involved in military service," said Doug Stevens, M&T Bank Senior Vice Presidentand Manager of Credit Risk Oversight, who himself is a veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy as alieutenant and nuclear-trained officer. "Every veteran deserves the opportunity to visit the memorialsand experience the impact their sacrifices still have on the lives of all Americans, and we're glad to joinforces with the Buffalo Bills Foundation to help make the Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight possible."The opportunity for M&T and the Buffalo Bills Foundation to team up and honor veterans throughBuffalo Niagara Honor Flight was facilitated by M&T's Veterans Resource Group, which Stevens helps tolead. This is the second time the two organizations will have hosted a Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight."We are extremely proud that M&T Bank has joined with the Buffalo Bills Foundation and a group of ourplayers to honor our Veterans in such a special way," said Gretchen Geitter, president of the Buffalo BillsFoundation. "Today, a dedicated group of men and women are able experience part of the lastingimpact that their service and sacrifice had on our country. They are our heroes and we are proud to helpfacilitate this experience."M&T, the Buffalo Bills Foundation and Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight have taken great strides to make it atruly memorable experience for the honored veterans. After meeting early Saturday morning at LeonardPost 6251, the veterans received a special police, fire and Patriot Guard Riders escort to the airportwhere they were welcomed by an orchestra playing patriotic anthems. Veterans' families, friends andlocal Honor Flight supporters were also there to send them off, and the community is invited to returnto the airport to welcome the veterans back this evening at 10:45 p.m.
