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Delta partners with Best Defense Foundation to honor WWII veterans

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Delta partners with Best Defense Foundation to honor WWII veterans
Policy
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Matthew Knopf, S.V.P. ‐ Deputy General Counsel | Delta Air Lines

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.

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“Tom is incredible. He is as sweet and sharp as ever,” said Craig. “We clicked right away.”

Craig and Tom spent nine days together attending ceremonies and events honoring veterans in Normandy. They were warmly received by locals with standing ovations and American flags. A French child even gave Tom a hand-drawn card.

“The Best Defense Foundation takes caregiving very seriously,” said Craig. “Their top priority is making sure these heroes are safe, cared for and honored every step of the way."

The experience was personal for Craig since both his grandfathers served in World War II—one as a B-17 flight engineer in England and another who landed on Omaha Beach during D-Day.

“I knew they served, but I only knew them as loving grandparents," he said about his grandfathers' service history.

At the end of the program, Tom expressed his gratitude towards Craig by saying he wished he could take him home. Tom’s daughter noted that her father seemed rejuvenated after the trip.

With fewer World War II veterans remaining to share their experiences firsthand, Craig emphasized preserving their voices through such programs.

Craig concluded with newfound inspiration: “I want to build on the foundation these veterans laid and make sure the world never forgets what they gave us.”

Organizations Included in this History
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