Patriot Flight 2008
is a hub of the national
Honor Flight Network

Providing a safe and memorable trip and to
raise sufficient funds to enable every local
World War II veteran to fly free.  

Donations can be sent to:
Rolling Thunder NY5
for Patriot Flight 2008
P.O. Box 12363
Albany, NY  12212
Rolling Thunder ® , Inc.
NY Chapter 5
Albany, New York
Rolling Thunder New York Chapter 5
was contacted by The Patriot Flight 2008 staff to supply the Veterans with an
escort from their meet point to the Albany International Airport and we were
happy to do it.  We would not be able to provide these escorts without the continued
support from several other motorcycle organizations and we wish to recognize them
and thank them for their support:  

The Native Americans   ~   The Booze Fighters   
The Combat Veterans   ~   The BMC   ~   The American Legion Riders   
The Brunswick and Albany Chapters of H.O.G.

We also wish to thank the support of our local law enforcement offices:
The Town of Colonie Police has consistently offered their assistance
Thank you
Pictures from our first Patriot Flight 2008 escort
Saturday, April 26
Watch from Capital News 9Veterans take off on Patriot Flight 2008
Updated: 05/17/2008 02:55 PM
By: Kaitlyn Ross

TROY, N.Y. --Some World War II veterans and 18 volunteers are seeing the World War II memorial in
D.C. For the first time.

"I'm very excited, it's been quite a week just building up," said Ellen McKnight, who is the widow of a
veteran.

For Ellen, it's about more than just the memorial, though. Her husband is buried at the National
Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia and she hasn't been able to visit his grave for some time.

"It's been almost ten years now so even just to drive by it..." McKnight said as her voice trailed off.

"It's a moving experience. I hope I have the opportunity to take my mother to see my father's grave,
"said Stuart McKnight, Ellen’s son.

Patriot Flight 2008
The second trip to Washington D.C. For World War II veterans took off Saturday. Our Kaitlyn Ross saw
them off to the airport, and tells us it's a very special event for those making the trip.

His father's grave is right near the tomb of the unknown soldier in Arlington. As well as remembering
his father and her husband, they hope to honor the thousands of men and women who lost their lives in
the war.

It will be the first time for both Stuart and Ellen to see the World War II Memorial in D.C.

"It's going to be a memorable event, I'm looking forward to being down there with these WW2
veterans, they deserve this," said Stuart.

He's not the only one who thinks the veterans deserve a chance to see the memorial built in their
honor. Hundreds of people donated to the cause, and came out to support the vets as they took off for
D.C.

"It's important so that they know that everyone in America remembers them and honors them and
thanks them for what they did for our country, said Suzi Granger with the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle
Club.

Several local motorcycle clubs showed up to escort the bus to the airport, and to express their
gratitude to the men and women aboard.

"I just want to say thank you! Not only to them, but to their families, and their children as well for making
this event possible," Granger said.

Patriot Flight 2008 continues to raise funds for a larger trip in the fall. To date, the group has raised
more than $30,000. Time is of the essence as the average age of these heroes is 85.

Donations are appreciated and are used completely for the veteran travel costs. Guardians pay their
own way. Donations can be sent to the Troy Senior Center at 19 Third Street, Troy, New York 12180
payable to Patriot Flight 2008.

www.patriotflight2008.com
Patriot Flight 2008 Escort
Escort a group of WWII Veterans to Albany International Airport
Wednesday, October 15
Meet at the Sam's Club in Latham
Meeting at 6:00am .. Leaving at 7am ..
Ron Lewis 542-9834
Patriot Flight 2008 is a hub of the national
Honor Flight Network
Providing a safe and memorable trip and to raise
sufficient funds to enable every local World War II
veteran to fly free.  Donations can be sent to:
Patriot Flight 2008
c/o Troy Senior Center ~ 19 Third St. ~ Troy, NY 12180