On April 10, we opened our 16th flight season with HFC113 comprising three WWII, 11 Korean War and 101 Vietnam Veterans traveling together to our nation’s capital. Included in that number were three veterans who served during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and three women who served during Vietnam.
After five months off and with dozens and dozens of brand-new volunteers joining our family, the day’s planning and execution did not miss a beat. Veterans aboard the flight raved about the “professionalism,” “efficiency,” and “operational excellence” of everyone involved in their Day of Honor.
Following a Heroes Welcome at Dulles airport, our 115 veterans boarded their buses. At the back of the red bus, two WWII veterans greeted each other: “You’re WWII? Me too!” “I was in Europe, where were you?” “Japan, with the Army.” “I’m Army too. After we won in Europe, we were headed over to join you. Nice to meet you now.” It was a simple conversation like so many over a cup of coffee, yet it carried with it so much history and heroism — words that could only be spoken during an Honor Flight Chicago mission!
At the WWII Memorial, a group of school kids enthusiastically greeted our veterans. They were eighth graders from Pennoyer School District 79 in Norridge, Illinois, on their annual trip to Washington, D.C. This group had landed that morning and rushed to the WWII Memorial in time to cheer our entire flight, but specifically one of their own: “Officer Bob” is a longtime employee of the school and a Vietnam Veteran aboard #HFC113. He was surprised and delighted to say the least!
Later in the day, after the first-ever performance by the Army Drill Team for Honor Flight Chicago at the Lincoln Memorial, a veteran made his way to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. There, he placed a frame of his own creation containing the medals he earned in Vietnam. Along the frame he had written the names of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the actions which earned him those medals. Though we had 115 veterans on the plane from Chicago, so many more traveled with us in thought and spirit. We honor them all.
The day was not without its challenges. We want to highlight our incredible medical team who helped to triage and manage care for a couple of veterans who took ill during the day. We were forced to leave two members of our travel party behind in Washington, D.C., and our D.C. leadership team stepped up to look after them and ultimately make sure those individuals returned safely home to Chicago. There is no better volunteer in this world than an Honor Flight Chicago volunteer.
We are already swiftly gearing up for the second flight of 2024 in May. See you then!
Edna Ho and Doug Meffley
Directors, Honor Flight Chicago
“I’m just coming down from the high that I was on for the Honor Flight. I just want to thank you. It was absolutely one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life, even though I’ve been there-just absolutely great! How you people do all this work is beyond me. I can’t thank you enough. I loved it. You did a great job, my daughter did a great job-surprised the heck out of me, I couldn’t believe everything when we got back. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love Honor Flight Chicago!”
— Vietnam Veteran Walter Kubicki Jr.
“I just wanted to let you know how much Alan loved his trip to DC yesterday. He was overwhelmed with all the wonderful people who made the day so special. He said he felt like royalty. Honor Flight Chicago is so wonderful for their care and kindness to all the veterans. He will always remember this experience! Thank you for all your hard work.”
— Barb Clutter, wife of Vietnam Veteran Alan Clutter
“I thought the day was as perfect as it could ever be, and then we returned to Chicago to the most prideful, patriotic, and loving “Welcome Home” Celebration at Midway Airport, and it was more than anyone could ever imagine. Thank you so much for all that you have done for us.”
— Vietnam Veteran Ken Goodwin
“One of the more special moments was the arrival at Midway when again we were met by what seemed like thousands, welcoming us home and thanking us for our service with signs, so many handshakes and bagpipes which I can still hear. Being welcomed by my family was so special.”
— Vietnam Veteran Reggie Mattingly
“Thank you for your organization and all you do for our veterans. Ed was very impressed with his Honor Flight day. He said it was amazing! He couldn’t get over all the crowds at both airports to greet everyone.”
— Sandy Garvey, wife of Ed Garvey
“I don’t know yet if I can properly articulate the right words to thank you for the most wonderful and patriotic day of my life. Right from the start, your attention to detail was impeccable. You left no stone unturned to get the most accurate and up to date information possible. The concern for the welfare of all participants was always at the forefront.”
— Vietnam Veteran James Sullivan
“Our family was thrilled to be part of the welcome home and we were moved to tears more than once. It was a heartwarming, patriotic event that I believe made every veteran feel respected and appreciated. Of course, none of this could happen without the commitment and passion of volunteers like you. Our hearts are full.”
— Sue Westphal, wife of Cliff Westphal
“My dad had the time of his life and is still talking about it. I’m so happy that he was able to go and experience this trip, it’s something he will never forget. My family and I are so grateful that we were able to see the love and appreciation at the airport for all the vets. It was truly a beautiful experience!”
— Jennifer Campagna, daughter of veteran Herb Moll
