“I have no idea if this is the normal monthly parade, but it was nothing like I’ve ever experienced in my life. What a difference to the welcome they received when returning from Vietnam. I personally think it will change the rest of his life. I just want you to know you made a difference in someone’s life.”
This was the feedback we received after September’s flight from Linda Kleine, wife of Vietnam Veteran William Kleine. It serves as a great reminder that all of the effort our volunteers put into our “normal monthly parade” each flight is life-changing for those who are living it for the first time. We’re so proud of each and every member of our team for continuing to make a difference!
Our 118th mission to Washington, D.C., on September 25 featured one WWII, two Korean War and 110 Vietnam War veterans travelling on a picture-perfect day in our nation’s capital.
For the second-straight flight, we had more than 40 Family Guardians travel with us on the plane. We are deeply thankful for this peaking interest and investment in family members traveling along with their veterans. Not only do these Guardians heighten the experience for their heroes, it also expands our own family – something many of you are familiar with having served as Guardians for your loved ones!
Our veterans enjoyed a performance by the Navy Ceremonial Guard Drill Team on the plaza in front of the Lincoln Memorial, the first time we’ve ever had the Navy demonstrate their skill for an Honor Flight Chicago crowd. We’re proud to say that with this performance, HFC has now experienced Drill exhibitions from four different branches during our 2024 season: The Marines Corps Silent Drill Platoon, the Army Drill Team, the Air Force Drill Team, and the Navy this month.
At the Udvar-Hazy Center, many in our travel party met and several chatted with retired astronauts and Air Force veterans Commander/Colonel Eileen Collins and Colonel Cady Coleman. Commander Collins specifically spoke about her own father’s WWII service in the Pacific, and how women not being allowed to fly was inspiration to push herself. The pair were effusive in their praise for the mission of our Honor Flights.
Our final flight in October will cap another tremendous year in the history of Honor Flight Chicago and our mission to Honor. Thank. Inspire. See you then!
Edna Ho and Doug Meffley
Directors, Honor Flight Chicago
“The entire day was one of the most wonderful days of my life. The preparation, organization and outcome of this flight together with the honest, dedicated services of the many volunteers brought tears to my eyes as the day unfolded. Both ends of the flight (Chicago’s Midway and the Washington Dulles airports) were unbelievably patriotic and heart-warming. My family was totally amazed at the number of like-minded patriots that attended the flight’s arrival at each step in the carefully planned day. My entire family will be talking about the “Honor Flight day” in the life of their Father, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa for many years.”
— Korean War Veteran Joe Blackwell
“The trip yesterday was great. The guardians were great. I was amazed at the total number of volunteers that were involved at both locations. The whole welcoming/thank you at both ends was something else. There was quite a crowd in Chicago when we returned. When we were at Lincoln Memorial a couple of young girls even walked up and thanked us. The whole thing really made one feel appreciated for their service. Whoever it is that organizes this really does an incredible job. Thank you and the organization so much for such a special day.”
— Vietnam Veteran Rich Kappel
“From my perspective, I was VERY impressed with your whole operation and the coordination of all of the staff and volunteers on both ends of the trip. I was emotionally moved and I am certain that my fellow vets were too. This trip gave us Viet Nam vets something that we never received when we came home the “first time” and filled a void in me that I don’t think that I even realized was there. I certainly hope that other vets will take advantage of this opportunity. It certainly was worth it for me.”
— Vietnam Veteran John Stoeckert
“Thank you for the moving experience of going to Washington D.C. with other veterans. The trip was more than I could ever have hoped for. I was asked what was my favorite thing. The Memorials were great but the best part of the trip was the work that the volunteers put into it. Our receptions at both airports were truly amazing. What touched me a great deal was the letters from family, neighbors and friends. Thank you again for the wonderful experiences that you helped to give me and all the other worthy veterans on this journey of a lifetime.”
— Vietnam Veteran Jerry Lewicki
“It was a real honor to be part of Honor Flight Chicago this past week. The organization and thoughtfulness of HFC volunteers was beyond any expectations that I could have possibly imagined. It was a trip I will not forget. I did not open or read any Mail Call letters until this afternoon in my feeble attempt to make the trip last longer. Happy to say that I succeeded. Thanks again for one of the best experiences of my life!”
— Vietnam Veteran Lou Marohn
“First thing let me say this was an incredibly emotional yet uplifting experience for me. It was a journey that for all of us vets was a long time coming. I met and spoke to a number of Vets about their stories and felt like I was talking to Old friends. The memories from this day have replaced the memories from 1968 with a joyous great feeling.”
— Vietnam Veteran Thomas Dilley
