Anthony ‘Tony’ Delaurentis: Mom vs Lieutenant Colonel
marc.zarefsky2021-08-10T08:16:35-05:00Family has always been important to Tony Delaurentis. He’s been guided by values taught by his parents, especially to respect everyone.
Dennis (Denny) Keast: ‘I never thought I’d do what I did’
marc.zarefsky2021-08-15T20:38:56-05:00Dennis was born in southern Minnesota and when he was four his family moved to Flint, MI. As a kid, Denny knew he wanted to fly.
John N. Kost: First Combat on Valentine’s Day, 1951
marc.zarefsky2021-08-10T08:07:36-05:00John Kost started high school at St. Rita but after his first year transferred to a seminary in Wisconsin, thinking he would become a priest.
Ronald T. Michalski: One Decision Changed His Course
marc.zarefsky2021-08-10T08:03:41-05:00In 1958, one decision changed the course of Ron Michalski’s life and helped the boy from Chicago’s South Side became a man.
Michael E. Morrell: Family Tradition to Serve our Country
marc.zarefsky2021-08-10T07:59:25-05:00Mike Morrell’s grandfather served in the U.S. Armed Forces World War I, and half a dozen uncles and his father served during World War II.
Phillip E. Norton: The Danger of Removing Munitions Left Over From WWII
marc.zarefsky2021-08-10T07:54:27-05:00Not the usual experience is a phrase that describes Norton's family and service. He wanted to serve, and enlisting in the Army was fastest.
Edmund Rafalski Jr.: Maintaining The OV-10 in Support of the 1st Cavalry
marc.zarefsky2021-08-10T07:49:45-05:00Ed Rafalski served in the Air Force from August 1968 to August 1972. He grew up in Calumet City, Illinois with one brother and two sisters.
Ed ‘Turtle’ Gniadek, Jr.: Just a Grunt Who is a Bronze Star Recipient
marc.zarefsky2021-08-10T07:43:43-05:00When Turtle Gniadek received his draft notice for the Army, none of his friends were interested in entering the military with him.
Willie E. Reed: Why Not Me?
marc.zarefsky2021-08-10T07:37:51-05:00Willie was born at the very end of World War II on June 3, 1946 and grew up with his family on the south side of Chicago.
Orlando (Lindy) Rossino: Turn 17, Join the Coast Guard
marc.zarefsky2021-08-10T06:24:24-05:00When Pearl Harbor was attacked, Lindy Rossino knew he wanted to join the American Forces. Unfortunately, he was barely 14 years old.
Charles (Charlie) Solis: Ammunition Containers Make Great Cups
marc.zarefsky2021-08-10T06:21:11-05:00Charles Solis was drafted in 1970 and served from 1970 to 1972 in the Army. He was working in a paper factory at the time.
William F. Sonntag: Army Commendation for Heroism
marc.zarefsky2021-08-09T22:41:34-05:00Upon graduation from Fenger High School in 1966, Bill was obligated to start seeking employment, but employers were hesitant to hire young men of draft age since they could be drafted at any time following hiring.
Jerry Warren: Protecting Building Engineers By Day, Providing Fire Support By Night
marc.zarefsky2021-08-09T22:42:57-05:00Jerry Warren passed up an opportunity to return to the states in 1968 and stuck it out in the Central Highlands of Vietnam until his tour of duty was over.
We have a lot to be thankful for
marc.zarefsky2019-12-02T20:46:12-06:00As the year comes to a close, we have A LOT to be thankful for. This year has been an incredible one for Honor Flight Chicago as we began flying three generations of senior war heroes.
Highlights from our 95th flight
marc.zarefsky2019-10-25T07:52:46-05:00We did it! With the completion of our 95th flight this month, the 2019 season is officially in the books. On a dark and rainy day in D.C., 101 veterans traveled to Washington, including a season-high 16 from World War II!
Highlights from our 94th flight
marc.zarefsky2019-09-26T11:58:07-05:00The sixth mission for Honor Flight Chicago in 2019 took place last week, and it was another memorable day in our nation’s capital. This time we brought six World War II, 20 Korean War and 77 Vietnam War veterans for a total of 103 on the plane.
Highlights from our 93rd flight
marc.zarefsky2019-08-14T09:28:43-05:00On a sultry 93-degree day, 104 veterans comprising four from WWII, 23 from the Korean War and 77 from the Vietnam War traveled with us to Washington D.C. for their Day of Honor.
Highlights from our 92nd flight
marc.zarefsky2019-07-17T10:14:18-05:00All 103 veterans on #HFC92 were treated to a visit from General Colin Powell, who stopped by the World War II Memorial to say thank you and spend a few moments speaking to the group.
Highlights from our 91st flight
marc.zarefsky2020-06-05T11:01:57-05:00The Vietnam Era began for Honor Flight Chicago on June 5, 2019 as the organization flew its 91st flight to Washington, D.C., and first carrying Vietnam War veterans.
Highlights from our 90th flight
marc.zarefsky2019-05-21T09:29:54-05:00Honor Flight Chicago celebrated its 90th flight last week with 96 senior war heroes, including 12 from World War II.