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Larry the Cable Guy sends Nebraska vets to WWII Memorial

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BY LAURA CHAPMAN/Lincoln Journal Star

Sunday, Feb 24, 2008 - 10:03:54 pm CST



Larry the Cable Guy and his family have donated money to pay for 100 World War II veterans to visit the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., in May.

Dan Whitney, the Nebraska-native comedian’s real name, and his wife, Cara, decided to give the money to the Heartland Honor Flight after they were contacted by organizers of the trip, said Bill Williams of Omaha, who first proposed the flight. The Veterans of Foreign Wars had been seeking $70,000 to finance the first flight of veterans to the nation's capital.

Story Photo
Larry the Cable Guy

Plans call for a chartered flight to depart from Omaha on May 21, its occupants spending the day in Washington, D.C., and returning that night -- all free for 100 World War II vets from Nebraska and western Iowa.Trip organizers contacted the Whitneys because Larry the Cable Guy is known for his support of U.S. troops and they thought he might be interested.

Williams said the Whitneys’ contribution will finance the trip for the first 100 of more than 300 veterans who have applied for a chance to go.

In addition to the Whitneys’ donation, Williams said, about $40,000 has already been raised.  Organizers hope people continue to donate so a second and possibly third flight can be arranged.

“We want to give every World War II veteran who wants to go a chance to go,” said Williams.

Williams said the 100 veterans who will go on the first flight have been notified and are excited to see the monument many never thought they’d live to see.

“This is their last hurrah.”

 Donations to the Honor Flight are tax deductible and should be sent to:  Nebraska Veterans of Foreign Wars, P.O. Box 4552, Lincoln, NE 68504. For more information, call the VFW at (402) 464-0674.




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Observer wrote on February 24, 2008 6:28 pm:
" Thanks Larry!! I'm sure they'll appreciate and enjoy the trip. "

 Alicia wrote on February 24, 2008 6:41 pm:
" thank you dan! i've been to washington before, and i've seen the places these vets are about to visit, and it's a once in a life time experience. I will never forget my time there, and i'm sure the same goes for these WWII vets... After all they have sacrificed for this country, I think they deserve this trip! I wonder if Dan is going to be going with the Vets? "

 Hattie wrote on February 24, 2008 7:56 pm:
" There are Stand Up Guys, and there are Stand Up Guys. Larry aka Dan is surely one of the kindest and patriotic of them all. If no body says thank, please accept mine. Gratefully, a Vet that know what it means. "

 russ a wrote on February 24, 2008 8:35 pm:
" now thats a good deed i dont care who you are thats a good deed thanks to our vets and to larry "

 mike wrote on February 25, 2008 4:24 am:
" way to go ,if i had it i would done it "

 Andrea Bartell wrote on February 25, 2008 4:41 am:
" God bless Dan and Cara! There really is NO place like Nebraska. "

 Craig wrote on February 25, 2008 5:20 am:
" Dan "Got r Done!" "

 Ever Notice? wrote on February 25, 2008 6:37 am:
" Folks from Nebraska are good people no matter how famous they become... Dan and his family know what living in rural america is all about!!! How to give back to the community and showing you're proud of your roots are all trademarks of good down to earth people. I am proud to call Dan a fellow Nebraskan "

 Peanut wrote on February 25, 2008 6:44 am:
" I have seen the monument and truly believe every WW II veteran should have the opportunity to see it. Does anyone know how you get a veteran signed up to go?? "

 Kris wrote on February 25, 2008 7:31 am:
" Peanut,

My dad went to courthouse and veterns administration to get his application.

I guess they all have been notified if they are going and I don't think he was. I am sad, he is in ailing health and WWII was the highlight of his life. He was pilot and flew in 35 missions and was even shot down and lived to tell about it. Can you tell I am proud:) "

 Michael wrote on February 25, 2008 7:32 am:
" Good on you, Larry! We are very proud of you and your family. "

 Class act wrote on February 25, 2008 7:57 am:
" Americans and Nebraskans in general could learn a lot from this guy! "

 Buffet Basher wrote on February 25, 2008 8:11 am:
" Dan knows how to give back to the comunity for his success, why can't Warren Buffet do something like this?
The second richest man in the U.S. and he wouldn't buy a dying man a glass of water. What good is all that money if you take it to your grave? "

 Awesome! wrote on February 25, 2008 8:24 am:
" Way to go, Dan!!! What a wonderful, caring gesture. "

 Central NE resident wrote on February 25, 2008 8:29 am:
" THANK YOU for your contributions to this effort. For those that don't know, Custer County, NE organized the very first honor flight in Nebraska and took over 20 veterans to Washington DC last summer. Many dedicated volunteers raised the needed funds to send these veterans on a trip that was well over due. Thank you Nebraska for your continued efforts to honor these fine Americans. "

 Good ol Larry wrote on February 25, 2008 8:37 am:
" You know...it's not charity if you want something in return. Somehow, I can't help but believe Larry understands this and is truly giving without expectation. Good deal!! "

 Dave wrote on February 25, 2008 8:43 am:
" I find it funny how the politically correct in the community shun this guy for the 'reputation' he gives Nebraska. I've always been proud to say 'Larry the cable guy' is a fellow Nebraskan!! "

 Larry wrote on February 25, 2008 8:53 am:
" Once again, Larry the Cable Guy shows how to "git 'r done." He's a great guy who has helped his home state with charity and other economic ways (buying a farm, buying ownership of livestock auction barns, emceeing tractor pulls at county fair, etc.) he is too modest to share. I'm impressed, and glad we have him here. His earthy humor especially appeals to rural folks, who aren't afraid to laugh at the indelicacies of life. Not that we're lacking a sophisticated side, though, that some of our city neighbors would like to suppose. "

 J wrote on February 25, 2008 8:54 am:
" That's awesome! You're good people. "

 Julie wrote on February 25, 2008 9:24 am:
" Larry aka Dan,

As a child of a WWII veteran who didn't live to see the Memorial completed, THANK YOU for honoring the greatest generation who ever lived. My child as well as all of my nieces and nephews have been told and reminded over and over again, of the sacrifices that "Grampa's" generation made. Larry aka Dan, you truly set a shining example for the rest of us to learn from. "

 me wrote on February 25, 2008 9:41 am:
" What a Hell of a Guy!!!!! Go Larry!! "

 matt wrote on February 25, 2008 9:46 am:
" Larry the Cable guy is not funny and he is an embarrassment to all Nebraskans. "

 hello people... wrote on February 25, 2008 10:08 am:
" Please read the last paragraph again. It makes everyone feel good to know someone else is doing something good for someone else, now think how it'll make you feel if YOU actually give personally. $5, $10, $20 every little bit adds up. Let's make it happen for all 300 who would like to go! "

 Marek wrote on February 25, 2008 10:29 am:
" I have to agree for once for the yahoo. He gives Nebraska a Louisiana name, but did do a good deed. Good job ....wipe. "

 Jnenifer wrote on February 25, 2008 10:54 am:
" What a great thing to do. My hat is off to him! "

 Steve wrote on February 25, 2008 11:00 am:
" Say what you will about his act or movies, but he is a good person who gives a lot back to the University, the state, and its residents. "

 Jim wrote on February 25, 2008 11:31 am:
" I can't beleive what a couple posters have said. I goes to show that some people no matter what the good deed just have to spout off. Matt and Marek you need to join reality, most realize that an act is an act. It is shameful that you were never taught that if you can't say something nice, say nothing at all ! It tells a lot about you and you say "Larry" gives Nebraska a bad name.

Thank you "Larry" for being a great person and a GREAT NEBRASKAN. Keep up being the great person you are. "

 shake your......hand wrote on February 25, 2008 11:46 am:
" Hi Larry...someday I would love to meet you and shake your hand and tell you thankyou for all you have done for Nebraskans. You are a shining example of who we are. "

 tim wrote on February 25, 2008 11:47 am:
" larry, you're a great american. "

 kjs wrote on February 25, 2008 12:43 pm:
" Now this is a story worth reading. Thank you for your generousity Dan and Cara for thinking of the vets. A great example of a Nebraskan. "

 Mom of 6 wrote on February 25, 2008 1:55 pm:
" Jeez-even if you don't like his type of comedy (which I really don't) you still have to give this guy his kudos for doing something really wonderful that will bring joy to so many. "

 Bill Williams, Organizer, Honor Flight wrote on February 25, 2008 2:06 pm:
" Although the letters inviting veterans for the first flight have been mailed, we hope to raise enough funds to take veterans via one or two more flights. Veterans can apply for this one-day, all-expense paid trip at: www.honorflight.org or www.vfwne.com. True to Nebraska character, the Whitney's did not want any recognition for this most altruistic gift. "

 One Out In The Third wrote on February 25, 2008 3:03 pm:
" As a Marine Corps vet and son-in-law to a WWII Army vet I salute Dan and his family for their sacrifices and for taking the time to visit our troops in the Mid-East as well. I echo Craig's sentiments...Got R' Done!!! Semper Fi Pal!! "

 BANKERBABE wrote on February 25, 2008 4:21 pm:
" Let's just take the story for what it is. A person who has done something tremendous. Regardless of what you think of his comedy (and that is what it is) routine, the gesture remains good and honorable. Maybe his contribution will help raise awareness and more funds will be donated so the rest of those vets can catch the next plane. "

 Aaron wrote on February 25, 2008 8:34 pm:
" Thanks to Dan and thank you to all of our WWII vets. What a very kind gesture! "

 sweet wrote on February 25, 2008 9:04 pm:
" Dan and Cara.....You rock!! Thank you sooo much for the support!! "

 louaxter wrote on February 26, 2008 7:05 am:
" My brother, Frank, at WWII vet just took his first flight on Feb 20 - but this was with the angels. He would have loved to fly anywere and this trip would have been wonderful for him. I'm glad others will get the opportunity. "

 Dano wrote on February 26, 2008 11:40 am:
" Thank you Whitneys. Everyone should follow their example and help those, who may not always be able to thelp themselves, even when they are trying so hard to do so. Thank for presenting an example of good ol' Nebraska pride and caring. "

 JimDandy wrote on February 26, 2008 2:17 pm:
" "The second richest man in the U.S. and he wouldn't buy a dying man a glass of water. "

One of the most ridiculous statements I've ever seen on these blogs. Maybe you should do 70 seconds worth of research before you post something this silly. Buffet's philanthropy is well known. "

 Sweet wrote on February 26, 2008 3:39 pm:
" This is awesome. Dan is always doing things for the Vets and Armed Forces. He purchases tickets for the Vets so they can sit up in his skybox with him during Husker home games. My brother, a Sgt. in the Army, was a lucky recipient and couldn't say enough good things about Dan. This is a great, heartwarming story and more people need to give. To the posters that only say yucky things...boo hoo to you! "

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