Founder of Nonprofit Organization Sentenced for Stealing Funds Intended for Veterans’ Honor Flight Program

The founder of the nonprofit organization “We Run They Fly,” has been sentenced for stealing nearly $100,000 that was intended for the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight program. Stars and Stripes Honor Flights are dedicated to providing veterans with trips to war memorials in Washington, D.C., and giving them a warm welcome upon their return at Milwaukee’s airport.

During the court proceedings, Joni Nogay openly admitted to using the stolen funds for personal expenses, which included spending on shopping sprees, dining, and even purchasing tickets to Green Bay Packers games.

The judge presiding over the case handed down a sentence that included four months of jail time with work release privileges, followed by three years of probation. In addition, Nogay was ordered to make restitution to the various businesses that had supported her fundraisers. The bulk of the restitution, totaling over $82,000, was designated for the Stars and Stripes Honor Flights.  She’ll report to jail later this month.  

To donate directly to the Stars and Stripes Honor Fights, there’s a link on their website.  Their next mission is scheduled for April 20th, with more set for the end of May and the middle of June.  There are about 130 regional hubs for the Honor Flight Network across the country. Nearly 250,000 veterans of the Korean, Vietnam, and WWII have been escorted to see their memorials in Washington, DC, via the Honor Flight Network. The veterans pay nothing for this service.