For the past four years, Delta has partnered with the Best Defense Foundation to organize flights to Normandy, France. These trips aim to return World War II veterans to a significant historical site where they once defended freedom. The foundation's mission is to connect the Greatest Generation with younger ones, ensuring their stories and sacrifices are remembered.
Many of these veterans are now over 100 years old. To assist them on this journey, each veteran is paired with a volunteer caregiver who provides continuous support throughout the trip. This role requires service, compassion, and respect.
This year, First Officer and Army veteran Craig Graves volunteered as a caregiver for SMSgt Thomas Garner, known as Tom. Tom is a 101-year-old World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force for 31 years.