Each season, the August Honor Flight Chicago mission takes place in the hottest part of the year during what is eloquently termed “the dog days of summer.” This year was no different! On a sultry 93-degree day, 104 veterans comprising four from WWII, 23 from the Korean War and 77 from the Vietnam War traveled with us to Washington D.C. for their Day of Honor.
What better way to open a trip during the “dog days” than with actual dogs! We were ecstatic to welcome three comfort canines to Midway early Wednesday morning. These perfect pooches came to us courtesy of the Lutheran Church Charities Kare 9 Military Ministry, and they were such a hit that we are excited to welcome them back in greater numbers for the remaining flights in September and October.
Everyone on the trip was feeling the heat in D.C., and we are especially thankful to all of our medical guardians, beverage volunteers and “washcloth” team members who worked tirelessly to keep everyone hydrated and cool. The veteran comments we have received here in the office in the days after the flight continue to mention how well taken care of everyone felt.
Weather can be draining. Often the flight home is full of tired veterans and guardians silently basking in the glow of their experience – and even more often basking in a well-earned nap. This flight we noticed a distinct difference on the plane ride home: it was LOUD!
These veterans were amped up about the day they had just had, and Mail Call only increased the volume. At one point, one of our flight leaders turned to one of our bus captains and had to repeat herself multiple times. Said veteran Sylvester Dziedzic: “I couldn’t talk all day (on Thursday) because I talked the ear off my Guardian on Wednesday.” We are guessing he was not alone in his hoarseness the day after!
Each flight is unique and special in its own ways, and #HFC93 most definitely had a celebratory tone as it touched down in Chicago – BEFORE the official Welcome Home had even begun.
With just two flights left in the 2019 Honor Flight Chicago season, we are looking forward to a strong finish to the year. Enjoy the rest of your summer and we will see you in September!
Edna Ho and Doug Meffley
Directors, Honor Flight Chicago
“Golly, I am still processing everything. The day was more than wonderful. It was Perfect!! The Korean Memorial – no words can describe what it was to see the actual memorial and not just pictures of it. THIS DAY WLL NOT BE FORGOTTEN! Thank you to all the volunteers, you couldn’t have done anything better!”
— Tom Diamond
“What a fantastic day! The Guardians were fantastic. I was able to travel with my younger brother which was unbelievable! The people overall were unbelievable. I liked visiting WWII and the Korean War Memorials the best. At Midway, the bagpipers: Wow! The whole Welcome Home was a huge surprise. The day couldn’t have been better.”
— Florian Dziedzic
“After an unforgettable day, I spent Thursday reading my Mail Call letters. What a great birthday present [his birthday was August 8!]. I couldn’t talk all day because I talked the ear off my guardian on Wednesday. Thank you again to all the volunteers at Honor Flight.”
— Sylvester Dziedzic
“I had no idea what to expect but it wasn’t this! Everyone was so kind and helpful and friendly. My Guardian Dan Harrington was a prince! Thank you to everyone for all they did for us.”
— Norman Simone
“Marvelous is the only word I can think of to describe the day. I never thought I would live to see the day a Navy Captain would salute ME. And also all those young recruits. I was amazed at how many names were on the Vietnam wall, we surely don’t need any more wars. And my daughter, my guardian, she is my guardian every day and I couldn’t find a better one. Thank you Honor Flight Chicago.”
— Barbara Lloyd
“It was a beautiful, unbelievable experience! The Korean War Memorial, Air Force Drill Team and the professionalism of the Honor Flight team were all number one. It was my first trip to Washington D.C., and that in itself was so very fulfilling. Thanks for giving me this special day!”
— George Nuter
“My fellow veteran (Jim) Zwit and I were both wounded in Vietnam and met at Great Lakes Hospital 48 years ago, and we have been friends ever since. It was a distinct pleasure to share this day with him. His Guardian Paula Storer was superb! (My Guardian Bruce was also). I don’t have a favorite part of the day, it was all up there!”
— Keith Whitman
“This day was just what the doctor ordered!! Well organized and outstanding from start to finish. It felt good to be part of a military family again even for just a day. I felt my friend Keith had my back. Paula treated me like a king! The water salute from the firemen was spectacular. Had expected people at the airport in Chicago but was blown away by the crowds at the airport in D.C.”
— Jim Zwit
“I was very fortunate to fly to Washington D.C. yesterday along with 103 other Veterans from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam on Honor Flight Chicago 93. It was the trip of a lifetime! The HFC is a world class organization. The Volunteers are totally committed to making the Vets feel special. They succeeded in making me forget the way we were mistreated when we returned from Vietnam. If the government was run like HFC, our country would be in much better shape! Thank you to all those from HFC for making my day so very special. Thank you for your service to our Veterans!”
— Roy Johnson
“Without question, Honor Flight Chicago on August 7 was a beautiful and warm experience beyond anything I believed was in store. I shall never forget the day and the cheering and the good will which we received. It was humbling for this vet who was a soldier in Korea some 64 years ago. My thanks to you and to everyone who had a hand in putting this together. On that day, this vet and 100 others like him were made to feel really special.”
— Bill Juneau
“Thank you so much for selecting me for the Honor Flight yesterday! It was a very meaningful and moving experience. I must say that I was overwhelmed by the support and turnout – and, believe me, I am not a man easily whelmed at all. I was moved to tears more than once. Your staff and volunteers were phenomenal. And your organization of the whole trip was on a par with a well-executed military operation! I must admit that I was absolutely blown away by the people who met us in D.C., and the incredible late night turnout of the public, the Midway Fire Department, and the Navy personnel who greeted us in Chicago upon our return. Wow, just “Wow!” and eye watering. This was the first time since I retired from the Air Force, almost 30 years ago, that I have been in the company of that many Vietnam War veterans and I was surprised at the effect it had on me. It was quite special to travel with the WWII and Korean War vets as well.”
— Dennis Smith
“I don’t know where to begin. Somehow “Thank You” doesn’t even begin to tell you my feelings of my Honor Flight trip. I cannot thank you and all the people that made this lifetime memory possible enough. The day was just a perfect happening in my life that I will never forget. I tell everyone I talk with, if you are a Vet or know a Vet, sign up for the Honor Flight. It is a fantastic experience. I’m sure you get 100’s of e-mails from people that have been on Honor Flight Chicago. So here is one more. I just wanted to show my gratitude for your time and efforts. Thank you ever so much, and God Bless!!!”
— Robert Sanders
