Two years after celebrating our 100th flight, and one year after bringing our 10,000th veteran to Washington, D.C., our July 24, 2024 mission saw yet another historic milestone: The 11,000th hero to travel to our nation’s capital with Honor Flight Chicago since our inception in 2008. Our organization has now flown 11,089 veterans to be exact, still the most among all ~130 hubs around the nation.
On HFC116, one WWII, six Korean War, and 107 Vietnam War veterans all traveled together for a grand total of 114. The WWII veteran, Army SFC Edward Walls, actually served his nation in all three wars, entering the service in 1945 and not leaving until 1971 after 20 years on active duty and five in the reserves. Incredible!
For the first time this year, we visited the Air Force Memorial for a special performance by the Air Force Drill team. We then navigated a maze of Washington, D.C., street closures due to geopolitical events on the ground to ensure that the heroes on the flight did not miss seeing their Memorials. A huge thank you to Dillon’s and especially experienced lead driver Keith for their expertise on the ground in our nation’s capital!
Among the 114 veterans last month was longtime Honor Flight Chicago volunteer and Welcome Home flag line member Sonny Zdancewicz, who was awarded two Bronze Stars and three Purple Hearts for his service in Vietnam. His Guardian shared this emotional walk down the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall which serves to highlight the impact this experience has on its honorees.
At the Welcome Home back in Chicago, we once again had the Chicago Fire Pipe and Drums lead our procession at the top of the parade. Speaking of milestones, this year marked the 100th flight that CFD has supported. Experience the walk with them through this video.
We are now halfway through our 2024 flight season with just three missions remaining. We can’t wait for HFC117 in August with another group of long-deserving veterans who have waited years to hear the words “WELCOME HOME.” See you then!
“Honor Flight Chicago is a very special organization with outstanding, staff and volunteers. I had no idea what to expect and it by far exceeded any expectations. Also, being able to take the trip with my son made it that much more special.”
— Vietnam Veteran Tighe Reardon
“What was most impressive was the enthusiastic reception of the people who came out to the airport in DC and in Chicago to meet us. I had not expected that. I was stunned and overwhelmed. I had not realized how much I had missed being welcomed after returning from Vietnam in May of 1970.”
— Vietnam Veteran James DeNardo
“The Honor Flight experience was one of the most life-affirming experiences of my lifetime. I’m still aglow with the warmth of the cheering crowds who showed up to give us thanks for our service to this great nation we call America. I wish that I could personally thank each and every one of the volunteers who gave unselfishly of their time and energy to make it all happen. Their dedication and commitment has served to rekindle my belief in the fundamental goodness of my fellow citizens.”
— Vietnam Veteran Anthony Iacuzzi
“I am pleased to report that Honor Flight 116 went FAR beyond my expectations. The planning, programing and the volunteers who comprise your organization simply amazed me. I have been privileged to have been to DC a few times and had seen some of the sites we visited. Others were new and so very interesting. But the pinnacle of the day was the heartwarming receptions we got at both Dulles and Midway upon our arrival and return.”
— Vietnam Veteran Richard Waxman
