[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 93 (Monday, June 13, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3825-S3826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO JON YUSPA

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate a 
Nevadan who has gone above and beyond in his endeavors for our veteran 
community, Jon Yuspa. Jon formed and continues to lead Honor Flight 
Nevada, a nonprofit organization committed to honoring the brave men 
and women who so valiantly defended our freedom.
  In 2011, Jon formed Honor Flight Nevada to honor Nevada's World War 
II veterans and transport them to Washington, DC, to visit the 
memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices. Since its 
formation, Honor Flight Nevada has expanded its trips to include Korean 
and Vietnam veteran visits. Over the past 5 years, Jon and the Honor 
Flight Nevada team have raised over $500,000 to transport more than 200 
U.S. veterans to Washington, DC. The trips are completely funded and 
paid for at no cost to the veterans through private donations to Honor 
Flight Nevada. From the National World War II Memorial, to the Korean 
War Veterans Memorial, to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, all the way to 
Arlington National Cemetery, every veteran has the chance to see the 
memorials that stand as a testimony to the great sacrifices they have 
made.
  Even more remarkable, Honor Flight Nevada is the only Honor Flight 
organization to offer trips specifically for Vietnam veterans to visit 
the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. To witness these veterans honor their 
lost comrades at their memorials is truly a special experience. During 
the trip, veterans are showered with gratitude and applause in 
airports, on bus rides, at hotels, and en route to their memorials, all 
executed through the coordination and planning from the Honor Flight 
Nevada team. I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to everyone 
working on behalf of our veterans with Honor Flight Nevada, including 
those with Southwest Airlines and the Reno-Tahoe International Airport 
who have contributed so much to this organization. It is through the 
hard work and collaboration of this entire team that these trips are 
possible.
  Recently, Jon's work has been acknowledged with two prestigious 
awards. In April, Jon received the President's Award from Southwest 
Airlines, as well as the 2016 Jefferson Award for Nevada from the 
Jefferson Awards Foundation. These accolades are a tremendous honor, 
and without a doubt, Jon's work warrants this and so much more in 
recognition. I have personally attended a veterans send-off at the 
Reno-Tahoe International Airport

[[Page S3826]]

and have also met our heroes in our Nation's Capital as they observed 
the World War II Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. I can attest 
to the positive impact that accompanies their journey. This truly is a 
life-changing experience for those who deserve only the greatest 
gratitude for their service.
  I most recently had the opportunity to see Jon's work firsthand in 
May at the internment of Bob Wheeler at Arlington National Cemetery. 
Bob was an important member of the Nevada family and will never be 
forgotten. Jon's work in bringing some of the Nevada family to honor 
Bob's sacrifice was admirable. No words can adequately thank Jon for 
all that he has done.
  Jon has truly impacted the lives of heroes across the State of 
Nevada. Today I ask my colleagues and all Nevadans to join me in 
congratulating Jon on his achievements and in recognizing the entire 
Honor Flight Nevada family for their work. Honor Flight Nevada's 
mission is noble, and I thank everyone for their commitment and 
compassion to Nevada's veterans. I wish Jon and all of the Honor Flight 
Nevada team the best of luck in their future endeavors.

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