West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW) will be working with American Airlines to transport the family of an American Hero to Washington D.C. this Wednesday at 3:00 PM.
After laying in state at the West Virginia State Capital, Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams will be flown via West Virginia Air National Guard C-130 to Washington D.C., where he will be honored during a state funeral. Williams was the last living WWII Medal of Honor Recipient.
A charted plane from American Airlines will follow the C-130 and transport family and friends of Williams to D.C. The aircraft will receive a water cannon salute as it departs.
“To be able to assist with the departure out of CRW is a true honor. William’s devotion to this country and all those he served is beyond remarkable,” said CRW Director and CEO Nick Keller. “He’s an American hero who will be missed by many.”
“We are tremendously proud to do our part in honoring Woody Williams and his heroic legacy of sacrifice and service,” said Randy Stillinger, Manager of Military and Veterans Initiatives for American Airlines. “With the help of our team members across the country, we will see that Woody’s family is well taken care of on their journey to Washington DC, where Woody will be honored by a grateful nation. While a hero from our Greatest Generation has passed, we reinforce our commitment to the Woody Williams Foundation and continue to support his heartfelt mission to care for families of the fallen.”
Williams served in the United States Marine Corps. He received the military’s highest decoration of valor, the Medal of Honor, for his heroism above and beyond the call of duty in World War II on the island of Iwo Jima.
CRW will continue to honor his memory through our Woody Williams Military Flight Operations Center.
