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RINewsToday Veterans writer, John A. Cianci, a Guardian on 31st RI Fire Chiefs Honor Flight to DC
“High Voltage” Honor Flight to Depart T.F. Greene International Airport Early Sunday A.M. – Rhode island News Veteran Contributor To Be On RI Chief Honor Flight on Sunday
Photo, top: Two U.S. Army retired Master Sergeants, MSG Ernie Lacombe and MSG John A Cianci, diplaying “High Voltage” 31st RI Fire Chief t-shirts to be worn on September 29, 2024 (blue represents guardian, and red represents the veteran on the honor flight).
On Sunday, September 29, 2024, the High Voltage Honor Flight will travel to Washington, DC on what will be the RI Fire Chiefs Honor Flight Hub’s “31st“ Honor Flight.
“I was honored to have been asked by MSG (ret.) Ernie Lacombe to be his Guardian on the Honor Flight,“ said RINEWSTODAY veterans writer, John Cianci. “Ernie and I have become friends after the first time we met at Friendly Nursing Home in Woonsocket RI,” said Cianci.
Cianci and Lacombe first met while Ernie was a resident at the facility. Lacombe was attending the monthly schedule gathering sponsored by the the Italian American War Veterans of the United States (ITAM). Lacombe served 29 years in the U.S. Army. Retiring as a Master Sergeant, which is the same rank Cianci retired as. Lacombe’s career started by being drafted in 1961. He attended basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey. Upon completion of basic, he was assigned to Fort Carlson, Colorado. Shortly thereafter, he stationed at the DMZ in Korea. Lacombe duties in the Army was a heavy weapon operator.
Asked by RINEWSTODAY what he enjoyed the most while serving in the Army Lacombe said, “I loved to drive military vehicles.”
Lacombe told RINEWSTODAY about the time he was on the advance and one of the newer military trucks he never drove was left unsecure. Lacombe told another soldier, “I’m going take that truck for a drive.” Lacombe had no clue on how to drive the vehicle, but he managed to take it for a drive. “I hit a building with it, however, I returned it to the original location and parked it, never telling anyone what I did,” said Lacombe. According to Lacombe, no one ever knew it was him that did the damage to the truck.
This Honor Flight is a one-day trip that leaves from TF Green Airport (PVD) and flies to Reagan National Airport (DCA). Upon arrival at DCA they will travel into the DC area by charter bus to visit the Memorials. After visiting the Memorials, the veterans will travel by charter bus to Baltimore/Washington (BWI) Airport for their flight back to Rhode Island.
“It’s a long day, but I am looking forward to it.” said Lacombe.
All are encouraged to greet and send off “High Voltage” honor flight, at T.F. Green International Airport, Warwick. Send off should be at the airport no later than 4:30 a.m.
All parking for send-off and welcome back should be in short-term parking lot. When departing, push the help button and tell them you were part of the honor flight send off. Doing this, parking is FREE, for both the sendoff and later when the Honor Flight returns at 10:30 p.m.
The 31st RI Fire Chief “High Voltage “ is a testament to the power of community, thanks to the dedicated sponsorship of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers LU 42 in East Windsor, CT, which fostered connections and laid the groundwork for a life-changing journey to Washington, DC. Thank you to everyone who makes the HF possible.
If you know any WW II, Korea, or Vietnam veterans (veterans do not have to be combat veterans to be eligible) that would be interesting in joining an Honor Flight trip, please have them and their guardian print and complete an application package. https://www.rihonorflight.com/docs/Honor_Flight_Application_Veteran_2023.pdf
If interested in being a Guardian for a veteran, https://www.rihonorflight.com/docs/Honor_Flight_Application_Guardian_2024.pdf
Honor flights continue as a result of donations and sponsorships. 100% of all donations support the honor flight. If you wish to donate and or find our more information to volunteer, fo to the RI Fire Chief website. https://www.rihonorflight.com/#events.
Enjoy and be safe “High Voltage” honor flight!