Northwest Arkansas ‘Honor Flight’ Set for May 5
May 1, 2012 – More than 80 World War II veterans will visit memorials dedicated in their honor during a trip to Washington, D.C., on Saturday, May 5, as part of the fifth Northwest Arkansas Honor Flight.
Thanks to major donations from Tyson Foods, Inc. and the Walmart Foundation, as well as others, a commercial jet has been chartered to fly the veterans free of charge from Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport to Washington, D.C., and back. The group, which will include veterans as old as 94, will see the World War II Memorial as well as other military memorials during their day in the nation’s capital.
Flight organizers encourage the public to be at the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport terminal at 7:30 p.m., Saturday evening, to be part of a special return reception for the veterans.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to show your support of these veterans from the ‘Greatest Generation,’ as well as enjoy patriotic music and flag waving,” said Melissa Lee, a Tyson Foods attorney who is chair of the company’s Veterans Business Resource Group (VBRG), which will be represented at the reception. Others expected to attend include ROTC cadets from the Razorback Brigade, Civil Air Patrol
cadets from the 115th Composite Squadron, the Patriot Guard and some members of the Rogers
Heritage High School Band.
A group of eight Har-Ber High School students is involved in the trip. Some of the students will shoot video of the veterans’ departure from the airport; two will accompany the veterans on the flight and during their stay in Washington, D.C.; and others will meet the veterans in Washington, D.C., and shoot video of their arrival and escort through the nation’s capital as well as at the memorials.
Each veteran on the trip will receive a video recording and photos of the experience from the students. In addition, the Har-Ber students will use photos from the trip to create a visual tour for the World War II Memorial website, including panoramic displays of the memorial’s notable points.
“This is too amazing not to save for the future,” said Debra Lamb, the teacher heading up the project at the Springdale school. “The students will be able to learn more about the tremendous service these dedicated men and women provided our country during World War II, plus they’ll gain experience documenting this wonderful trip on video.”
Tyson and the Walmart Foundation have each donated $25,000, which will cover a majority of the $65,000 expense for the trip. Donations are being accepted to help cover the cost of another flight the organization plans to schedule in October 2012.
Anyone who wants to make a donation; is a World War II veteran who wants to go on a future trip; or has interest in volunteering to help with a future flight, should call, e-mail or send a letter to:
Bill McKenzie, Tyson Aviation
10475 Tyson Place
Bentonville, AR 72712
479-290-5039
william.mckenzie@tyson.com
Honor Flight Network is a national non-profit organization that started seven years ago in Ohio, with six small planes taking a dozen World War II veterans to see their memorial. Tyson and Walmart have been the primary sponsors of all of the Northwest Arkansas Honor Flights, beginning with the first trip in October 2009.
About Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the world's largest processors and marketers of chicken, beef and pork, the second-largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and a member of the S&P 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products and is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves. Tyson provides products and services to customers throughout the United States and more than 130 countries. The company has approximately 115,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.
Contact: Gary Mickelson, Tyson Foods, 479-290-6111 or gary.mickelson@tyson.com