After 10 years, 30 chartered flights and more than 1,500 honorable passengers, Soaring Valor logged its final flight.
The program, a partnership involving American Airlines, the Gary Sinise Foundation and the National WWII Museum, ended on Sept. 5 with its final run, flying veterans from Charlotte, North Carolina to the museum in New Orleans. With most WWII veterans surpassing age 100, it was likely becoming more difficult for the program to find passengers.
Not only did veterans have a chance to see a museum dedicated in their honor, but the trips were also a learning experience for younger generations. Each veteran teamed up with a local high school student on the trip.
“Soaring Valor journeys are about honoring duty, sacrifice and a legacy of service,” said Randy Stillinger, American’s Manager of Veteran and Military Programs, in a press release. “On each flight, generations came together in a moment that bridged past, present and future. These stories will continue to echo through history long after the final flight has landed.”
The museum, originally established at The National D-Day Museum in 2000, was eventually dedicated by Congress as the National WWII Museum. The museum’s goal is to “celebrate the American spirit, teamwork, optimism, courage and sacrifice of the men and women who fought on the battlefront and served on the Home Front.” The museum also teaches visitors the reasons behind the war, how the Allies won, and significance of the victory, still felt around the world 80 years later.
The high school students who accompanied veterans on the Soaring Valor trips not only got to learn about WWII firsthand from the veterans but also experienced the museum.
The flights allowed veterans to bond with other veterans, swapping stories and sharing emotions. The trips also inspired those who worked in the program to think about the brave men and women that served in WWII, many of whom have passed away in recent years.
According to American Airlines, many crew members volunteered to serve veterans on Soaring Valor. Also, similar to Honor Flights, people on the ground worked hard to make sure the departures and arrivals carried a tone of tribute, appreciation and celebration.
For flight attendants like Kristen White and Robin Agee, the trips carried a little bit more significance, as they had fathers and grandfathers take part in Soaring Valor.
“The charter trips have made a tremendous impact on the lives of all who were privileged to be (a) part (of it),” said Gary Sinise, founder, chairman and president of the Gary Sinise Foundation. “It is with great appreciation that I send my heartfelt thanks to all our partners at American Airlines for all you have done to bring joy to so many of our nations heroes and students over the years.”
Since the 1980s, Sinise has worked to honor veterans. In 1995, he was nominated at the Oscars for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Lt. Dan Taylor, a struggling Vietnam veteran, in the film “Forrest Gump.” In 2011, he established the Gary Sinise Foundation to help support programs that help veterans, such as building new homes for disabled veterans. His foundation also provides resources to families of deceased veterans, offers training for first responders, and supports mental health programs for veterans.
Sinise also provided a note to share with American team members, thanking them for their work and dedication to the program. Team members’ goal was to make each flight a “moving tribute of honor and remembrance.”
Despite the end of Soaring Valor, American Airlines plans to keep working on programs to honor veterans says it remains committed to its initiatives with the Gary Sinise Foundation.
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