Local Marine veteran has second Honor Flight grounded

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — For the second year in a row, one local veteran has had his Honor Flight canceled due to COVID-19 risks.

The program brings U.S. military veterans to Washington, D.C., at no cost to them, to see memorials honoring their fellow service members.

Bob Rideout joined the Marines in 1957. His military service took him all over the world.

Rideout and his son Rob, who is also a veteran, are holding onto hope that Bob will get to take his honor flight next year.

"I was downtrodden. I was really, really looking forward to it," Bob said.

"Last I knew they’re talking about next April, you know, rescheduling it, and so we’re planning on doing that," Rob said.

Honor Flight is a national organization.

There are still flights running in some parts of the country, but not in areas that have been deemed high-risk.