In 2007, the co-founders of Honor Flight Chicago came together to launch a local hub in the fledgling Honor Flight Network. Our first trip with 60 WWII veterans took place in June of 2008 under their leadership, and our mission has evolved and grown ever since into what it is today. Last week, we celebrated our history and our future with HFC100 – a deeply moving nod to our accomplishments and a look forward to our future.
HFC100 comprised three WWII veterans, 11 Korean War veterans and 102 Vietnam War veterans. We are so thrilled to have had veterans representing all eras we serve onboard our 100th flight.
Our partners came out in full force to celebrate our milestone flight, beginning with Southwest Airlines. In recognition of the fact that all 100 of our trips have been aboard SWA, the airline provided its new flagship aircraft “Freedom One.” The plane, adorned with a Stars & Stripes livery meant to look like a flag waving in the sky, not only carried our veterans to D.C. but waited and returned for the evening leg as well.
Our friends in TSA convened an Honor Guard to greet us at Midway security. That Honor Guard then came to the gate to see us off. Longtime supporter Wayne Messmer reprised his role at the gate with a patriotic speech and performance.
In Washington, D.C., our traditional elements were again in place from the Honor Flight Ceremonial Band of Fairfax greeting at Dulles, to a full-fledged Honor Guard ceremony at the WWII Memorial, to a performance by the Marines Corps Silent Drill Platoon on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
When we arrived back home at Midway, there was a sight for sore eyes – and ears: the Frankfort Brass Band entertained the crowd and honored our heroes for the first time in nearly five years.
We saw friends both new and old, and can’t thank enough those volunteers from our earliest days who came back out to serve once again on this special flight. We also want to publicly thank co-founder and longtime CEO Mary Pettinato, whose leadership ensured our mission would reach the centennial mark.
Even though HFC100 was a celebration of our past, it also served as a kickoff for the entire 2022 season and our future. With more than 2,600 veterans still on our waiting list and hundreds of new volunteers who have yet to experience their first flight as an “orange shirt,” our first full season since 2019 holds so much promise.
See you in May!
Edna Ho and Doug Meffley
Directors, Honor Flight Chicago
Thanks to all of the media outlets who covered HFC100, including ABC for putting together this piece from our Welcome Home celebration.
A historic podcast recounting a historic trip
“You have the most incredible group of people here and in DC. I didn’t know what to expect so everything was a nice surprise. The reception in Chicago actually brought me to tears! You have over 100 GIs there and in the service there’s always competition but there was no competition yesterday, everyone was friendly. I think I made some great friends. ”
— Vietnam Air Force Veteran Gordon Newcomb
“I can’t thank you enough for the great day you provided for us vets. You exceeded any expectations we had for our special day. You will all have a very special spot in my heart forever. We are very fortunate to have been honored in the way you arranged. All the best from a very humble Vet.”
— Vietnam Navy Veteran Mike Osika, Jr.
“I appreciate all of the efforts of you and everyone. It was such a great experience! One of the better days of my life to tell you the truth. All of the volunteers. All of the attention. All of the thank yous. My Guardian was great! The Silent Drill Team was great. This is nothing like when we came home from Vietnam. This is for those who didn’t make it home–to keep their memories alive. The Mail Call with all the letters from the school kids was touching.”
— Vietnam Army Veteran Glenn Taras
“As nice as the monuments were—and they were spectacular—the people were even better. I’m not a hero. Sure I went through some tough times, but all of that was made up for with the Honor Flight. When Veterans get together it’s always a really good time. It was really an eye opener. I’m just so lucky to have come home. It’s hard to talk to my family about my time in the service because they can’t really understand what it was like. But it was easier there (with other veterans).”
— Vietnam Navy Veteran John Franzen
“It was fantastic! I was really impressed. Anita, my Washington Guardian was great. I wish I could express myself more. I must have gone through ½ a box of Kleenex reading the Mail Call. So touching. I’m telling every Veteran I see to sign up and go.”
— Vietnam Navy Veteran Anthony Schmidt
“It was a fantastic day and a great experience! It was really great coming home to the greatest reception ever! I never expected so many people greeting and honoring myself and my fellow veterans!”
— Korean Army Veteran Richard Green
“I’m still pumped up – when I was returning home I was told not to wear my uniform, like it was something to be ashamed of – when I worked for NASA and flew commercial I was told not to wear my uniform – if it fit I would be so proud to wear it today! Most emotional day ever – the patriotism in the crowd was overwhelming. The day was 100% perfect.”
— Vietnam Navy Veteran William Baker
“Boy, you guys can really keep secrets. From the mail call to surprise visitors at the airport, Wow! It’s a good thing I was in a wheelchair or I would have fallen over. Thanks for the very best day!”
— Vietnam Army Veteran Byron Thoren
I was flabbergasted and thrilled to death. I couldn’t believe all of the people and the “thank yous” I was getting from one place to the other. The way they treated me ALL the way, all of those who helped me on my trip, were just remarkable. They all did such a wonderful job. I can’t believe this! When the Mail Call came I was overwhelmed. I’ve only gotten through about ⅔ of the mail. Thank you so much. I was not celebrated when I came home from Vietnam. All of this is unreal. I have no words.
— Vietnam veteran Phillip Wayne Lloyd
