By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
HonorAir Knoxville will be receiving gratitude and appreciation for its many years of service to area veterans with a special resolution during Tuesday’s Knoxville City Council meeting. The resolution is sponsored by council members Nathan Honeycutt, Matthew DeBardelaben, Karyn Adams, Debbie Helsley and Vice Mayor Lynne Fugate.
Back in 2007, HonorAir Knoxville began taking veterans to visit the many military sites in Washington, D.C., at no cost to the men and women who served our nation. The nonprofit, all-volunteer organization is flying its final mission on April 8.
Initially, HonorAir served World War II veterans and later did the same for Korean War and Vietnam War veterans, trying to reach as many veterans in our region as possible. Over the years, there have been 38 flights carrying more than 4,700 veterans. There have also been three virtual flights for those veterans unable or unwilling to take the flight.
Knoxville businessman and HonorAir founder Eddie Mannis said the mission will be completed with the final flight. The community leader and owner of Prestige Cleaners and Wm. Henry Fine Gentlemen’s Clothing served as City of Knoxville COO and deputy mayor and in the Tennessee House of Representatives.
“As HonorAir Knoxville completes its final chapter, our entire team is experiencing emotions that are bittersweet, but at the same time, coupled with a tremendous sense of accomplishment,” Mannis told The Focus last week.
“We are deeply grateful that we were able to honor more than 4,700 veterans with over 38 missions to Washington, D.C. What began in 2007 as a simple idea to honor a few Knox, Anderson and Sevier County WW II Veterans, will finalize our mission on the evening of April 8. This program became so much more than just a day in D.C. It became a community of gratitude, remembrance, and fellowship. It was and hopefully will always be a powerful reminder that we must never forget those who served.”
A final event is being planned by HonorAir, as well as a project to preserve the stories of veterans who took the flight and the story of the much-praised organization. HonorAir recently lost a driving force behind the group, the late Charles Harr. Mannis called the late leader a “most remarkable and accomplished individual.”
“This final flight is especially meaningful as we remember our dear friend and longtime team leader, Charlie Harr,” Mannis said. “Charlie represented the very best of HonorAir Knoxville—he was the embodiment of selfless service, quiet leadership, and a deep love for our veterans. I often referred to Charlie as the Gentle Giant whose life reflected courage, humility and devotion to others. His leadership on our team helped guide our missions with steadiness, with a deep love and respect for the veterans we serve. His legacy will always be part of this mission.
“HonorAir Knoxville’s mission may end on April 8, but our gratitude to our Veterans will never end.”
