Thank You For Another Great Season!
Cold weather is upon us, and that means another successful flight season has ended for Honor Flight Chicago. Over 1,000 of our senior heroes had the opportunity to see their memorial in Washington, D.C. thanks to the hard work of a very dedicated volunteer team. These volunteers unselfishly gave their time, talents and enthusiasm in order to help honor those who gave so much of themselves over 60 years ago to ensure the freedoms we enjoy today. From the veterans’ smiling faces to the comments we hear after the flights, we are so grateful to our volunteers for helping Honor Flight Chicago succeed in our mission. We thank each and every volunteer for all of their hard work, and can’t wait to do it again next year!
If you would like to help Honor Flight Chicago as a volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Application available at honorflightchicago.org. Share your talents and your time – it is an experience you will never forget.
This Time Of The Year
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_ This time of the year is our season for giving,
It’s something we learn as a lesson in living.
Thanksgiving and Christmas, each one a tradition,
Each one, in itself, a unique definition.
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It’s time that we veterans say what we’re thinking,
And say it out loud, as our numbers are shrinking.
The Honor Flight people have made volunteering
A gesture of love which defies merely cheering.
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They give of themselves, time, and money, and caring,
Outpourings of gratitude, openly sharing.
The Honor Flight people, and their motivation,
Deserves, in its right, a tremendous ovation.
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This time of the year is our time for reflection:
To Honor Flight Chicago, we voice our affection.
Your people are what have made all this a pleasure;
A singular humbling moment we treasure.
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Thank You!
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© Richard Williams 2011
Honor Flight Chicago Veteran and HFC Poet Laureate
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Donate. Volunteer. Sign Up a Vet.
Visit http://honorflightchicago.org
Or call 773.227.VETS (8387)
Veterans’ Day 2011
November 11th is Veterans’ Day,
A day to respect and reflect.
Your life has been influenced, changed in a way,
Far more than you think, or expect.
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This day is not meant just to honor old wars,
Or conflicts of which you know not.
There need not be rollicking stadium roars,
But honor for those who have fought.
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Someone in your family was in uniform,
Or currently is as we speak.
Make your accolades voluble, sincere, and warm;
That’s all the reflection we seek.
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© Richard Williams 2011
Honor Flight Chicago Veteran and HFC Poet Laureate
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Donate. Volunteer. Sign Up a Vet.
Visit http://honorflightchicago.org
Or call 773.227.VETS (8387)
Bourbon Street Fundraiser a Rousing Success
Honor Flight Chicago’s amazing volunteers were up to the challenge: not only beat last year’s Bourbon Street fundraising amount, but raise $55,000 – enough for an entire flight – in one night.
This lofty goal was a 50% increase over last year’s amazing results. However, through the hard work of the entire team, led by Jimmy Hunter and Mike Mahoney, they not only reached their goal, but they exceeded it and raised a whopping $78,000! This single fundraiser is enough to cover an entire flight, plus almost half of the costs of a second flight!
The members of this team worked together very hard to make sure this fundraiser was a success. They planned every detail, which was obvious in how smoothly the event ran. From Jim Cornelison singing the National Anthem through entertainment by the Legacy Girls, the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, and Graffiti Unlimited, a good time was had by all. The raffle baskets were beautifully done and the other raffles were quite popular as well.
It was a very successful event which will enable more than 140 of our senior heroes to enjoy their day of honor and recognition. Hats off to the team for a job very, very well done!
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Donate. Volunteer. Sign Up a Vet.
Visit http://honorflightchicago.org
Or call 773.227.VETS (8387)
WLS 890AM Cookbook to Benefit Honor Flight
How many times have you wondered what’s for dinner, staring into the fridge with no inspiration? Thankfully, WLS 890AM has you covered with a new cookbook that has all proceeds going to Honor Flight Chicago!
Compiled with favorite recipes from hosts, guests, and friends of WLS 890AM, the cookbook contains over 60 delicious recipes. With mouth-watering delights such as Roma’s Wild Mushroom Hors d’oeuvres, Don Wade’s Really Easy Beef Recipe, Jake Hartford’s Miss Dill Pickle Muff Nuts, Jim Johnson’s Brown Mumbler and many, many more to try, there’s something for everyone in this collection!
The cookbook is available on the WLS 890AM website by clicking here for just $12.00 plus $3.75 shipping, and all proceeds go to fund future Honor Flights.
What a great way to add some new recipes to your repertoire and benefit Honor Flight Chicago at the same time! Thank WLS for all the support they’ve given to Honor Flight Chicago by getting your copy today!
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Donate. Volunteer. Sign Up a Vet.
Visit http://honorflightchicago.org
Or call 773.227.VETS (8387)
Flag Day 2011
Each holiday we have that is for us,
The people, or our independence, plays
A role in our identity; a plus
In showing who and what we choose to praise.
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Our Flag Day is but one of these, between
Memorial and Independence Day.
No hoop-la, fetes, parades, or fireworks seen;
A chosen choice—Old Glory on display.
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We do not favor pomp and circumstance;
We’ll look you in the eye and then decide.
The Stars and Stripes, however, takes a stance
That speaks of honor, fealty, and pride.
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It’s Flag Day! It’s Old Glory, bright and proud.
Display it, wear it, any way you can,
For this is Your Day, too. Stand tall, unbowed.
You are the best. You are American!
© Richard Williams 2011
Honor Flight Chicago Veteran and HFC Poet Laureate
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Donate. Volunteer. Sign Up a Vet.
Visit http://honorflightchicago.org
Or call 773.227.VETS (8387)
Second Annual Bourbon Street Fundraiser Just a Week Away!
The Legacy Girls, Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, and Graffiti Unlimited – it’s not only the makings of a fun night, but also one of the biggest fundraisers of the year.
Next week Honor Flight Chicago will host the Second Annual Bourbon Street Fundraiser, an evening that promises to be even bigger and better than the first one. Those who attended last year’s event know what a great time was had by all, from good food and drink to great entertainment to plenty of opportunities to win fun prizes.
This year’s event will be held on Saturday, June 11th from 3-8pm at 115 Bourbon Street, 3359
West 115th Street, Marrionette Park, IL. The Legacy Girls will once again be performing, as will the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums of the Chicago Police Department. Graffiti Unlimited will be performing classic oldies, rock and blues. The Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Color Guard will present the colors, and the National Anthem will be sung by Jim Cornelison, a well known tenor who sings for the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bears games.
Tickets are only $25 in advance and are available for purchase on our website by clicking here. The ticket price includes a delicious buffet, draft beer, wine, soft drinks, entertainment and complimentary valet parking,
This event promises to be fun for everyone and we’re looking forward to seeing you there! For more information, please call Jim Hunter at 708-720-9062 or Mike Mahoney at 708-425-7103.
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Donate. Volunteer. Sign Up a Vet.
Visit http://honorflightchicago.org
Or call 773.227.VETS (8387)
Memorial Day 2011
We call them heroes, those who fell in war;
We rightly stand in memory before.
If we cannot Stand Tall, show that we care,
Then we have no rapport with which to share.
To honor those who’ve fallen is the call;
To answer is a tribute to us all.
Memorials depend on those who live,
Whose love and empathy are there to give.
So with our love and empathy intact,
We make this solemn day a wondrous act.
In this great nation, Memorial Day must bring
Awareness to this point: Let Freedom ring.
There are no fancy measures to compute;
To those who served or serving, we salute!
© Richard Williams 2011
Honor Flight Chicago Veteran and HFC Poet Laureate
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Donate. Volunteer. Sign Up a Vet.
Visit http://honorflightchicago.org
Or call 773.227.VETS (8387)
Amazing Volunteers: 4-H
4-H Federation members helping at another great local cause, the Northern Illinois Food Bank
Every new volunteer and fundraiser invigorates the Honor Flight crew – but it’s especially exciting when a younger generation bands together to honor a senior one. This was the case recently when a group of more than 90 4-H members raised $3,500 for Honor Flight Chicago to send more WWII veterans to see their memorial in Washington, D.C.
Ten different 4-H clubs participated in the 4-H Federation Bowl-A-Thon at Idle Hour Lanes in Sandwich. Idle Hour Lanes generously provided the venue, bowling balls, and shoes, while numerous other local businesses donated items so that every bowler received a prize.
The 4-H Federation is a group of teenage 4-H members. The teens get together monthly to learn, participate in community service projects, and have fun.
Participating 4-H clubs included Barn & Beyond, Backyard Buddies, Kendall County Country Kids, Lisbon Town & Country, Little Rockets, Millbrook Mighty Ones, Nothin’ But Country, Outbacker Kids, Renegades, Rebels and Rogues, and Stagecoach Trailblazers.
Kudos to these amazing teens for a great job of helping honor our senior heroes!
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Donate. Volunteer. Sign Up a Vet.
Visit http://honorflightchicago.org
Or call 773.227.VETS (8387)
Honoring Patriot’s Day
The 19th of April is Patriot’s Day,
To raise up Old Glory the American way,
To stand and be counted, as ever so true,
A patriot waving the red, white, and blue.
Acknowledging Liberty’s fervent demands,
To those in the service in far distant lands,
To those who have served, whether lately or old,
To Americans all, let their banners unfold.
A day to stand proudly, with others, as one,
A day to be proud of accomplishments won,
To proudly display what you value and feel,
Displaying that love with American zeal.
Chicago’s own Honor Flight program’s success
Makes every day Patriot’s Day, nothing less.
So honoring Patriot’s Day is a must,
Respecting your values, and building your trust.
© Richard Williams 2011
Honor Flight Chicago Veteran and HFC Poet Laureate
___________
Donate. Volunteer. Sign Up a Vet.
Visit http://honorflightchicago.org
Or call 773.227.VETS (8387)
2011 Season Is Almost Here!
It may have been a rough winter, but it’s almost time to put away the shovels and get ready for spring – which means another Honor Flight Season!
The start of the 2011 Honor Flight Chicago season is only a month away, and the volunteers have been hard at work all winter to make sure everything is perfect for each veteran’s day of honor. A lot of planning, hard work, and fundraising happens all year long to ensure each flight goes smoothly and as many veterans as possible can visit their memorial in Washington, D.C.
We have ten flights currently scheduled for 2011, pending raising the funds for them, and we look forward to each and every one of our days of honor. If you would like to become a part of making it all happen, please see the Get Involved page on our website. If you or someone you know is a World War II veteran who would like to visit their memorial, please fill out the Veteran Application [PDF] to get on our waiting list.
We look forward to our 2011 flight season and to meeting even more dedicated volunteers to help us make it happen!
“Honor Flight Chicago is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been involved with. It has allowed me to meet some of the most amazing people. We have made so many new friends through Honor Flight Chicago, and I am so fortunate to be able to play a small part in the success of such an outstanding organization. To see the smiling faces of our WWII Heroes makes it all so worthwhile. My wife and I have been looking forward all winter to the first flight.”
Mike Mahoney
“Every World War II Veteran is the true definition of a Hero. They deserve nothing more than to be honored and thanked for their sacrifices.”
Brett Coburn
“I consider it to be a real privilege to be able to volunteer to help ensure our senior heroes receive the day of honor and recognition they so much deserve. The opportunity to interact with them, listen to their stories, share their experiences of the day, and to just see their happy faces and the occasional tears of joy makes every minute spent so very worth it.”
Diane Borst
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Donate. Volunteer. Sign Up a Vet.
Visit http://honorflightchicago.org
Or call 773.227.VETS (8387)
