Tri-Cities Airport Hosts Special Send-Off for Local Veterans Participating in Honor Flight Tour
Tri-Cities Airport, in collaboration with Snap-on Tools Elizabethton, hosted a special send-off for five local veterans participating in the landmark 20th Snap-on Honor Flight Tour. The send-off took place at 9:00 AM on Friday, October 11, at the airport.
This heartwarming event at Tri-Cities Airport was full of excitement as both airport and Snap-on employees gathered to give the veterans a heartfelt send-off. With signs, flags, and plenty of smiles, they were celebrated from the moment they arrived to the moment their flight departed. Starting with a big welcome in the terminal, the honor continued throughout their journey, through security and all the way to the concourse, making sure they felt the appreciation every step of the way.
“We were honored to host this special send-off for our local veterans,” said Gene Cossey, President and CEO of Tri-Cities Airport. “It was a privilege to come together as a community to celebrate and support those who have served our country.”
After the heartfelt send-off at Tri-Cities Airport, the group went on their way to the nation’s capital to participate in the memorable events of the 20th Snap-on Honor Flight Tour.
Since 2013, Snap-on has teamed up with the Honor Flight Network to give veterans an unforgettable experience of visiting the memorials dedicated to their service in Washington, D.C. This program brings veterans and their companions together, allowing them to share their stories, reflect on their service, and honor their fellow comrades. Each veteran is celebrated during a special dinner, where their service, military roles, and conflicts are highlighted, and they receive heartfelt appreciation from everyone they meet throughout their journey.
For the 20th Honor Flight, five local veterans nominated by Snap-on associates and retirees joined 20 others in the nation’s capital. The local veterans honored on this special tour include:
- Bobby Arnett of Elizabethton, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Vietnam and the National Guard, nominated by his wife Rose Arnett, a Snap-on retiree.
- Wade Campbell of Mountain City, an Army veteran who trained in a military motor pool during Vietnam, nominated by his son Michael Campbell, a 20-year Snap-on employee.
- Bruce Price of Mountain City, an Army helicopter crew chief and door gunner during Vietnam, nominated by his son-in-law Michael Campbell.
- Jim Bates of Bristol, a Marine Corps veteran who served in communications roles during Peace Time and took part in the Cuban Blockade, nominated by his nephew Scott Bateman.
- Albert Cox of Bristol, an Army Vietnam veteran who was part of the 8th Infantry Bullets drill team, also nominated by his nephew Scott Bateman.
The send-off not only honored these brave veterans but also showcased our commitment to recognizing their sacrifices. As they embark on this special journey, the stories and camaraderie they share will undoubtedly create lasting memories, reminding us all of the importance of gratitude and support for those who have served our nation. Tri-Cities Airport is proud to play a part in this meaningful experience, ensuring that these veterans receive the recognition and appreciation they deserve.
Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is a full-service commercial airport serving Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Kentucky. TRI offers non-stop flights to five hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Orland Sanford, and St. Pete-Clearwater) on Allegiant, American, and Delta. For more information about Tri-Cities Airport, visit flyTRI.com.
Kylie Toler
Tri-Cities Airport Authority
Marketing & Communications Specialist
423-325-6032
ktoler@flyTRI.com