HFC Flight 92 on July 10 carried three senior war heroes from WWII, 19 from the Korean War and 81 from the Vietnam War to Washington, D.C. All 103 of these veterans 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. He has been a dedicated friend to Honor Flight Chicago over the years, and we are thankful he again came out to greet our veterans.
It was a warm day, though not as warm as it could have been for the middle of July. Our Guardians from Chicago and D.C. did a tremendous job in keeping our veterans cool and hydrated throughout the trip.
Just as with our last flight, there were several moving moments at the Memorials. Tops among them was Bob Misevich – a combat medic profiled by our crack interview team ahead of the flight. In that story, he talked about Dennis Estes, a young soldier he had treated in the field. He never found out if Dennis had made it home or not and planned to seek out his name on the Wall. Sadly, Bob did indeed find Dennis’ name. He made an etching and stated that after 52 years, he had finally found closure about that specific moment in his service.
We were all set to make Bob and his story the centerpiece of this message, but then we got a phone call. Two days after every flight, several office volunteers call a handful of veterans to get their reactions to the Day of Honor they just experienced. Those conversations result in the flight comments you’ll see below.
On Friday, one of the veterans we left a voicemail for called back. When we answered the phone Staff Sergeant James Blue, Sr., launched into a sermon that lasted nearly 30 minutes (28:52 to be exact).
“It was heaven-sent,” he started out. “It is like God told Angels to come down from heaven, and there are a bunch of guys who survived Vietnam and I would like you to show them the meaning of respect. Then God sent an Angel for each individual veteran, and said to them I would like you to escort each individual veteran and show them what dignity is all about.
“From 0400 to 2200 on Wednesday we were treated with the utmost respect, dignity, honor and humility. I cannot believe human beings have the capacity to treat other human beings so well, and complete strangers at that. I did not think that possible. God Bless each and every one you.”
He went on from there. One additional comment he made is included below. In his eloquence, SSGT Blue hit upon the personal nature of the care and attention we provide from the moment a veteran arrives to the moment they exit the Welcome Home.
So for HFC Flight 92, think of yourself not as an orange shirt, a red shirt, a green shirt or a blue shirt. As Staff Sergeant James Blue, Sr., said, think of yourself as an angel! Thank you for that. See you next month!
Edna Ho and Doug Meffley
Directors, Honor Flight Chicago
“This was the highest point of my entire life following my wedding date 38 years ago and the birth date of my daughter 36 years ago. I will never forget the kindness, respect, and consideration given me. I was not crying, my eyes had dust in them at Midway on the return. Marines do not cry.”
— Leroy Stahr
“Such a wonderful day. I had been to DC before but it was so different being with other vets. The Korean Memorial was so authentic, it made me feel as if I were back there again. We all responded and did what we were told back in the day and it is so special knowing someone remembered.”
— Jack Doyle
“I thoroughly enjoyed the entire day. My guardian was terrific, he got me in the front row at the WWII Memorial. I couldn’t believe Colin Powell took the time to meet us. Mail call was overwhelming. The whole day was spectacular, even the weather!”
— Bill Stockfisch
“It was my first trip to the Wall, and I made it through. Appreciate so much what was done for the Vietnam vets, I thought we had totally been forgotten. The letters from the school kids were wonderful, and I was so surprised to see so many people at the airport!”
— James Lewis
“I’ve been having a rough time with the post-traumatic stress. I was in Vietnam 50-some years ago. And yet I can’t believe the kindness and the love which is still here in America, it just opened up my heart. Kids, old and young ladies, old and young men, shaking hands, giving me hugs and kisses. That’s the real America. That’s America. I’m so proud that I was asked, I’m very, very grateful that I went.”
— Joey Arcara
“I just regained my voice after that constant crush of people! I shook so many hands and talked to so many people I felt like a politician in training. The Korean Memorial was so life-like. It took me back to how it was, we all felt like bait. The camaraderie with the other veterans was like we were back in the service.”
— Ascher Yates
“I want to thank you for an exuberant day! I enjoyed it immensely. I felt welcomed with open arms. Your organization dotted every I and crossed every T. The parades and thank yous were unbelievable. I felt honored to be a part of this day.”
— BJ Andrews
“The Mail Call from my nieces and nephews were inspirational. It showed I made an impression on them while they were kids! It was a beautiful day. I loved everything about the whole day!!”
— Superman Horn
“If Vietnam Veterans were given the treatment — one-one thousandth of the treatment — that was received on that Honor Flight on Wednesday when we got back as opposed to how we were treated back then, I honestly believe there would not be as many suicides as have occurred. I do not believe there would be as many divorces, drugs, incarcerations, homelessness. There would not be the mental health issues we see today.”
— James Blue, Sr.
“The best day of my entire life!! Last one off the plane. My guardian couldn’t have been nicer, treated me like a king. My ambassador collaborated with my family and I was so surprised. Couldn’t make the day any better.”
— Gordon Atkins
