COS Volunteer to Join Hudson Valley Honor Flight
By Jack Collins, COS New York Volunteer
I’m honored to share that I’ll be going on the Hudson Valley Honor Flight (HVHF) to Washington, D.C. on April 12th, 2025. For over 20 years, Honor Flight has been paying tribute to veterans with all-expenses-paid visits to our nation’s capital. We’ll visit the WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War Memorials, along with the Iwo Jima and Lincoln Memorials, where we’ll take our group photo. The day ends at Arlington National Cemetery, where we’ll witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—a deeply moving tradition that reminds us why we served.
Serving COS and Country
For the past three years, I’ve proudly volunteered with the Convention of States. I serve as the District Captain for NY Assembly District #98 and have also taken on the role of Regional Captain in New York’s second region. Additionally, I’m part of the New York State Veterans’ Coalition, working with Tom Williams, our State Veterans’ Coalition Director, to bring the COS mission to veterans across the state. Over 7,700 veterans in New York have already signed on to support COS—and we’re just getting started.
My work also extends beyond New York—I provide State Information Analyst support to COS leadership in Connecticut and Rhode Island. If you’re a veteran, or someone passionate about liberty and self-governance, and you're looking for a place to get involved, reach out! I’d be happy to help you find the right volunteer opportunity.
What You Should Know About Hudson Valley Honor Flight
HVHF’s Mission #35 departs on April 12th, and Mission #36 is already scheduled for May 31st. Flights alternate between Stewart and Westchester airports, with two missions each spring and fall. HVHF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and if you’d like to support their work or apply as a veteran, visit hvhonorflight.com.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you must be a combat veteran to qualify. That’s simply not true. Every veteran who took the oath to defend our Constitution made a sacrifice—and Honor Flight exists to recognize that. Priority is given to WWII veterans and terminally ill veterans from any era, followed by first-come, first-served.
I was on the waitlist for about a year and a half. HVHF’s team of volunteers is phenomenal—veterans with mobility or health issues are fully supported. They handle everything.
My First Experience as a Guardian
My first Honor Flight experience was in October 2022 (Mission #27) when I volunteered as a guardian. At the time, I had never heard of Honor Flight, but once I learned about it, I signed up to help. Guardians are each assigned to a veteran and trained to provide full support throughout the trip.
At the meet-and-greet, I met Bill, a fellow Army veteran. It turned out that both of us had been stationed at West Point in 1974—me as an MP, him as an engineer. We’d never met before, but we knew the same leaders, remembered the same stories, and shared a connection that only those who’ve served understand. We still keep in touch today. The organizers had no way of knowing we’d crossed paths in the past—some things are just meant to be.
This Time, It's My Turn
On this flight, my guardian will be my daughter Esther, a fellow COS supporter based in Connecticut. Spouses aren’t allowed to serve as guardians, but close friends or family members can—and guardians cover their own costs and complete thorough training beforehand.
Volunteering as a guardian is a great way to support veterans and experience a day you’ll never forget. If you’re looking to honor those who’ve served, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Whether you're a veteran, a supporter of Convention of States, or just someone looking to get involved in something meaningful, there's a place for you in both COS and Honor Flight. Reach out. Get trained. Make a difference.
And if you see us on April 12th in D.C., come say hello—I’ll be the guy in COS gear, proudly standing with my brothers and sisters in arms.
