Retired from the U.S. Navy in 1996. Lee was on the inaugural flight of Honor Flight Northwest Ohio. He got involved with Honor Flight to pay tribute to his Dad and uncles whom all served in WWII but did not live long enough to see their memorial. Lee feels we owe our freedoms to all veterans whom served our great country but has a special feeling for WWII vets. He was formally the Post Commander of VFW Post 606 (2005-2008) and Life Member, Life member of the DAV, American Legion Post 320, V.V.A.#35.
Chad Yaney Vice President, Director of Special Projects
Chad Yaney is a fourth-generation Army veteran with ten years of service to our country.
Chad has been part of the Honor Flight team since 2008.
Currently, Chad is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant at St Luke's Hospital in Maumee, Ohio.
"As a veteran myself, I understand the importance of honoring those who have selflessly given us so much".
Honor Flight has been a wonderful opportunity for me to say: "Thank You".
Beth’s lifelong passion for Patriotism and WWII began at an early age – hanging out with the Veteran’s Color Guard at the holiday parades in Perrysburg. Her love of Big Band music started her reading anything about WWII, which created huge respect for our Greatest Generation. Beth found out about Honor Flight and signed up to be a Guardian in 2008. She has flown twice as a Guardian in 2009. In 2010, she organized an amazing crew of volunteers that sets up the hanger for flight day and tears it down after the party when the flight returns. Beth is thrilled to be a part of this great organization and does it to honor her Uncles and all those who served in WWII. Beth has been employed with Promedica Health Care System for over 30 years
Marti Franco Community Outreach Director
Marti is a graduate of the University Of Toledo, with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing,, and an Associate's degree in Hotel and Food Service Management.
She has been active with Honor Flight-NWO since it's first year of operation and has been a guardian five times. She enjoys being a part of HonorFlight and has the absolute respect and love for "the greatest generation". Her father was a World War II veteran serving in the Army in the 786th Tank Battalion in the ETO. He did not live long enough to see his memorial, and that is her main reason for wanting to be a part of the program.
Thomas Wagener Flight Health Director
Treasurer
Tom Wagener is currently Chief of EMS for the City of Maumee with over thirty-two years in the fire service. Tom was also a guardian on the inaugural flight and has since been a guardian on ten other flights. Tom is now coordinating the medical teams and helping with any other duties that may arise. I love being a part of honoring the greatest generation of Veterans by being able to escort the Veterans to the WWII Memorial and all the other War Memorials in the Washington DC.
David Chilson Presenter, Media Relations & Press Releases
David Chilson is a retired Bowling Green State University computer science professor.
He is also a retired Navy Captain who still works part-time for the U.S. Naval Academy
as a Blue and Gold Officer and Area Coordinator for Northwest Ohio. His father was a
Navy officer during World War II. Honor Flight is a wonderful opportunity for
"giving back" to the men and women who have served our country in the military.
James L. Gilmore Past Vice President 2008-2011, Trainer, Web Developer, Jack of All Trades - Master of None.
Jim Gilmore is the Chair of Manufacturing & Industrial Operations at Owens Community College. Honor Flight has become his next great passion - devoting hours to helping coordiante the logistics behind the flights and maintaining the web site and its materials. Jim is also a member of the Michigan Chapter of the 101st Airborne Association and the Liberty jump Team - another 501 (C)(3) organization that promotes WW II style parachuting demonstrations around the world.
Emeritus Board Member
Jim Tichy Presenter
Emeritus Board Member
Jim retired from NBC 24 in 2007 after 35 years as sports director.
He is a member of the City League Hall of Fame and the Associated Press Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Jim was on the inaugural flight in April 2008, served as a board member for two years,
and is now one of the spokespersons for the organization.
