The power of radio was on display in Milwaukee as listeners stepped up to the plate, as they always do, to support their local community with a nudge from their favorite radio station. Scripps owned WTMJ in Milwaukee sponsored two “Stars and Stripes Honor Flights” from Milwaukee to Washington D.C. with a total of 140 Veterans on board.
WTMJ afternoon host John Mercure led a “WTMJ Cares” fundraising project in October and the station’s listeners donated over $250,000 to fund the flights. “WTMJ’s Operation Parallel” featured Mercure interviewing Veterans to tell their stories and what a trip to their war memorial would mean to them. The money was donated through two radiothon events and online giving.
WTMJ’s John Mercure, Charlie Sykes, Jane Matenaer, Greg Matzek, Jay Sorgi, Eric Brooks and Tom Langmyer served as guardians and media members on the Honor Flights. WTMJ VP/GM Tom Langmeyer said, “After serving as an Honor Flight guardian to a brave Marine from the Korean Conflict, I am humbled by our Veterans’ service and the generosity of our listeners. The WTMJ Cares campaign led by John Mercure is just another example of how live, local radio can impact a community.”
“We are humbled by the absolutely incredible support of WTMJ Radio.
Many of our veterans have already told us that, aside from their wedding day and the birth of their children, their Honor Flight day was the best day they have ever had,” said Stars and Stripes Honor Flight Vice President for Public Relations Karyn Roelke. “We owe such a debt of gratitude to the listeners and staff of 620 WTMJ for making this possible”
