CTtransit Answers the Call from Honor Flight

CTtransit, Hartford, CT, has volunteered with Honor Flight since its inception in 2019. The organization’s mission: transport veterans from Windsor Locks High School to Bradley International Airport in the morning, and back again after their return flight touches down in the evening.

Now in its fourth year, as Honor Flight gains more traction and visibility, it has also received more applications from veterans. The word is out, and popularity is rising.

With this added demand, the Honor Flight board had a decision to make. As the waitlist continues to expand, so do the ages of veterans from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam who may face mounting mobility concerns or an evolving ambulatory status. The clock is ticking. How do we best provide a service for these veterans who bravely served our country?

You fly higher. You go bigger.

This year, a second Honor Flight was scheduled to support the expanded number of applications. The latest flight saw 70 Vietnam veterans,135 travelers in total, make the voyage from Hartford to our nation’s capital.

Instead of the typical three buses for the morning procession, CTtransit volunteered five. A different organization might bristle at the idea of providing the additional service—not CTtransit.

“The willingness to help, the alignment of CTtransit’svalues and [Honor Flight’s] values to honor our veterans, it’s easy, it’s natural—it’s just awesome,” said Honor Flight President Dan Sparks.

CTtransit was more than happy to accommodate with more buses. It is a small price to pay to serve those who sacrificed so much for our country. When Sparks sent out the initial request for more buses than usual, he received a response within minutes. The headline of the message was this: “Whatever you want—we’re in.”

“It’s so easy to deal with CTtransit,” said Sparks. “There’s never any letdown; there’s never any breach. They say they ‘got it,’ and I know they will be there. It’s all taken care of.”

Sparks credits CTtransit’s Blendi Nako, superintendent of transportation; and Admir Shurdho, transportation supervisor; and Patrick Cooney, Hartford division manager, for their support in making this event run smoothly.

“CTtransit is proud to support Honor Flight and provide transportation for these brave veterans,” said Cooney. “We deeply value their service and sacrifice and are more than happy to help in any way we can.”

The response from veterans who attended the event has been eye-opening. Vietnam veteran Robert Starr shared, “This is one of the most important days of my life (to be here with my son).” Veteran Jim Dooley shared, “[Honor Flight] has blown me away.”

Sparks and company also received emails of support from veterans who attended, saying, “I’m not sure I could’ve gone through this emotional time without [Honor Flight’s] support.” Another veteran shared, “[This event has] closed one very dark chapter and opened a very bright one for me. Thank you for doing what you do.”

This event has the potential to leave an indelible mark on our veterans. Sparks does not take this responsibility lightly. “We don’t just transport veterans,” he said. “We’re not a tour group; we’re not tour guides. We honor and, in some cases, we rehabilitate veterans. This is the day they never got, but this is the day they earned.”

CTtransit is deeply appreciative to be part of such a meaningful mission alongside Honor Flight. Providing transportation for our veterans isn’t just a service, it’s a way to give back to those who gave so much. CTtransit remains committed to this partnership with Honor Flight, ensuring that veterans receive the recognition and respect they deserve.

In addition, CTtransit’s new initiative, “CTtransit Salutes Our Heroes: Free Rides for Veterans,” offers complimentary rides on all agency buses in Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, and surrounding providers (North East Transportation, New Britain Transportation, DATTCO, Collins Bus Service, and Peter Pan Bus Lines) to veterans, active-duty military personnel, retirees, and disabled veterans on Veterans Day, November 11.

“CTtransit continues to stand behind our veterans and active-duty military personnel,” says Thomas E. Stringer Jr., general manager. “This gesture is our way of giving back to those who have already given so much for our country. Freedom isn’t free, but this Veterans Day, fares will be for our veterans.”