Another remarkable chapter in the story of Hudson Valley Honor Flight is about to unfold this weekend.

Mission 22 will department from New York Stewart International Airport on Saturday, bringing a planeload of Veterans to Washington D.C. for an all-expense paid trip to visit our nation’s war memorials. Veterans will travel by a police-escorted bus convoy while in D.C. for the daylong trip and return to home that evening.

Preflight sendoff at the Stewart terminal is at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. A welcome home rally will take place at 7:30 p.m.

These stories always touch the heart, and this will be no exception. It is one of several flights a year, departing from either Stewart or Westchester Airport, bringing Veterans from Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and other nearby counties to visit the nation’s war memorials. Among them are veterans of WWII, Post WWII, Korean War, Post Korean War, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Most have never seen the memorials, and this is a special way of thanking these Veterans for their service.

What makes the upcoming story even more remarkable is the fact that among them will be Robert Mancinelli, 82, a Veteran and his 108 year-old father!

Most of us already know the story of Anthony Mancinelli of New Windsor, the world’s oldest barber – yes he still earns a living by cutting hair! He is also a World War II veteran and a member of America’s Greatest Generation. He is one of the 14 World War II veterans on this flight.

If you can make it Saturday, please come out to Stewart for either the sendoff or the welcome home party in the evening. It’s an opportunity to add your personal thanks to these veterans for their sacrifice. Chances are you will be as moved by the experience as they are.

HVHF is currently seeking sponsorship for future missions, as there are many worthy and eligible veterans and HVHF wants to continue honoring them. To learn more, call (845) 391-0076 or visit: hvhonorflight.com.