Local veterans at the World War II Memorial in
Washington D.C.

Local veterans visit WWII Memorial on Honor Flight
A group of local veterans recently had the opportunity to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. thanks to Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio.
The local World War II veterans departed from the Grand Aire Base at the Toledo Express Airport at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, and arrived at their memorial around noon.
At the memorial, they observed a “Flags of our Fathers” ceremony honoring veterans who did not have a chance to see the memorial.
The ceremony had special signficance to this Honor Flight because it was held in memory of Swanton veteran Chester Kolodziejczk, who was scheduled to be on the flight but died just a few weeks before August 20.
While in Washington D.C., the veterans also visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial, The Vietnam Veterans Memoral, the Iwo Jima Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, where they witnessed the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.
The veterans were welcomed back to Toledo Express on Wednesday night with a ceremony at the Grand Aire Base.
The flight included 28 veterans from northwest Ohio and 22 “guardians,” volunteers who assist the veterans with wheelchairs, oxygen and other special needs.
Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio is the local chapter of a national organization dedicated to giving as many World War II veterans as possible the opportunity to visit their memorial.
Since its founding in 2005, one year after the memorial opened, Honor Flight has sponsored free trips for more than 6,000 veterans.
The trips are made possible by donations, fund-raising efforts, and the assistance of volunteers such as the guardians, who pay their own expenses on each flight.

WTFD featured firefighter
This month, Washington Township Fire Department is featuring firefighter David Bacon, Jr. Mr. Bacon has been with WTFD since April 2006. During this time Mr. Bacon has successfully obtained his 36-hour volunteer firefighter certificate and his emergency medical technician certificate.
Mr. Bacon also is an active police officer for Washington Township, a position that he has held since 2004. He attended Owens Community College where he graduated with an associate’s degree in law enforcement.
Mr. Bacon is married to his wife Heather who also is a Washington Township firefighter and he has three young daughters. Mr. Bacon is a member of Messiah Lutheran Church and is active in the community.
The Washington Town-ship Fire Department will be featuring its members in up coming editions of the Journal. This gives the community a way to meet and learn a little about those who serve and protect lives and property in the area.

Free window contest ends Sept. 7
Help a 1904 Lake Erie historic lighthouse win the contest for free windows. Toledo Lighthouse is one of 12 finalists in the annual Jeld Wen lighthouse window contest.
The Traverse City, Michigan, lighthouse is beating Toledo and e-mail votes are needed for the Toledo Lighthouse. Vote for the Toledo Lighthouse at: http://www.jeld-wen. com/lighthouse The contest ends September 7.
Click on vote now and then select and vote for the Toledo Lighthouse, one vote per e-mail address.
There are 70 windows in the Toledo Lighthouse. The first floor of the lighthouse has concrete blocks in the window openings, and the other window openings are covered with yellowed Plexiglas. The contest also includes replacement of lighthouse doors. What a major difference windows and doors would make in the lighthouse.
The Toledo Lighthouse Preservation Society (THLPS), a nonprofit all volunteer organization, seeks to restore the lighthouse, and to allow public tours and access. Windows and doors are a top restoration priority. A future THLPS goal is to allow couples to stay and become temporary lighthouse keepers for three or four days a week. These keepers would allow ongoing in-season access for people to visit the lighthouse.

Support the Troops rally to be held September 10
The Tribute to the Troops rally will be held Wednesday, September 10, at 6:30 p.m., at Friendship Park, 2930 131st Street, in Point Place. Parking will begin at 5:45 p.m., and information tables will be available at 6 p.m.
The program will honor members of all the branches of service who are serving or who have served in the military.
Master of Ceremonies will be Jerry Anderson of TV Channel 11. Military veterans will be guest speakers.
Special music will be presented by Sgt. Larry Joyner, the Mighty Brothers of Harmony and Sven Kroyer on bagpipes.
There will be an Armed Forces Honor Guard and Rifle Salute and the Springfield JROTC drill team will perform. The Ohio National Guard Rock Wall, Sea Cadets and Patriot Guard Riders also will be featured.
Those attending are invited to bring lawn chairs for seating and mosquito spray.
Sponsors include the American Red Cross, Flag Sales & Repairs, Heroes in Action, Military Support Outreach, the Northwest Ohio Military Support Group, Lucas County Veterans Service Commission and members of the Point Place Business Association.
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