Wichita, Kan. — Journal Broadcast Group - Wichita Operations’ radio stations KFDI FM 101.3, Classic Country 92.3 and True Oldies 1070AM KLIO have raised $112,500 for the Kansas Honor Flights scheduled for this fall.
Honor Flights is a program that flies veterans of World War II to Washington, D.C., free of charge to visit the WW II memorial. Today these American heroes range in age from 83 to 95. Because the memorial was not dedicated until 2005, many of have been unable, financially and physically, to visit the very memorial built to honor their service to our country and the world. Honor Flights help make those trips possible.
The money was donated by station listeners and local businesses during a nine-week campaign that included daily on-air interviews with organizers of Central Prairie Honor Flights in Kansas as well as many World War II veterans. The next Honor Flight in Kansas will leave Wichita’s Mid-Continent Airport on September 28 and return the following day.
“This mission really connected with our listeners who have grandfathers or even fathers who fought in the second World War,” said Journal Broadcast Group Operations Manager Beverlee Brannigan. “It was also an urgent mission because an average of 17 WWII Veterans are passing away each day in Kansas.”
“It was our privilege to help raise this money for Honor Flights,” said Kellie Michaels of KFDI’s Mornings with Brian & Kellie. “These men deserve to be honored for the sacrifices they made 65 years ago.” Kellie’s partner, Brian Pierce, added, “We met so many World War II Veterans who were just thrilled to tell their war stories to someone who hadn’t heard them before. It was like listening to a living history book. We need to honor them now, while we still have the chance."
Michaels will join Classic Country 92.3 (KFTI-FM) morning personality Bekki Gardner as guardians on the September Honor Flight, helping to take care of the veterans during the trip. They will also broadcast from Washington, D.C., during the trip.
KFDI FM 101.3, Classic Country 92.3 and True Oldies 1070AM KLIO are three of six radio stations in the Wichita market owned by Journal Broadcast Group.
About Journal Broadcast Group
Journal Broadcast Group owns and operates 33 radio stations and 13 television stations in 12 states and operates an additional television station under a local marketing agreement. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it is the broadcast business of Journal Communications Inc., a diversified media company with operations in publishing, radio and television broadcasting, interactive media and printing services.