Honor Air Knoxville

We were proud to be the full sponsor of the 20th HonorAir trip to Washington, D.C., which made it possible for 187 veterans of WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War to visit various memorials in our nation’s capital and receive a much deserved “thank you” from officials there.  There was a beautiful American Airlines charter aircraft to fly the veterans to Washington and top rate tour buses, which met them at the airport and transported them to the various sites for their visits.  Upon their return on Wednesday night, they were greeted by over 1,000 friends and family, a Naval Band, and the Central High School Band, all celebrating their return and once again thanking them for their service to our country.

We at Holston Gases are very proud to have sponsored this trip as we have had many veterans and reservists work with our company over the years.  Additionally, our co-founder, Pat Baxter, served in WWII as a Glider Pilot, flying several missions in Italy.  He successfully made it back from the war and made a success with our family owned business, and therefore we consider this HonorAir trip to be sponsored by “one of their own.”  Bill Baxter told the veterans at their departure, “It all comes full circle, and one of your own is sponsoring this trip.  We know he would be proud!”

Bill Baxter