Last week, the most veterans we have even transported at one time flew on HFC97 to Washington, D.C. The 114 veterans on board comprised two WWII, 12 Korean War and an even 100 Vietnam War veterans. We anticipate that this will a common veteran mix as we move toward the end of our 2021 season and look forward to 2022.
With so many veterans on board, our D.C.-based volunteer corps stepped up in a huge way. We are especially thankful to all of the new volunteers who came out to support our mission and spend the day with a senior war hero in our nation’s capital.
Much like what happened in August, our group was met with a surprise rain shower (or was it a monsoon?) during the afternoon. With veterans huddled for shelter inside the Lincoln Memorial and under any available overhang, our Guardians showed no regard for their own dryness in making sure our veterans were comfortable until they could board the buses again. It was a true baptism for our newest volunteers!
The day after the flight, as often happens, we received a call in the office from one of the veterans. In a tone of disbelief, he exclaimed “You guys have this [stuff] laid out better than Disney World, for God’s sake!” From early in the morning at Midway until the last veteran left baggage claim later in the night, our volunteers once again inspired awe in our veterans with the way we handled our business.
The crunch now is on. We have two flights in October to close out this brief but action-packed 2021 season. Next up is HFC98: The long-awaited Operation HerStory All-Female Veteran flight on October 6! We could not be more excited to get this historic mission off the ground and shine the spotlight on the thanks and respect our female heroes deserve. See you then!
“I wish to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. You guys have this stuff laid out better than Disney World for God sakes. I was paired up with a Guardian in DC and we fit like hand in glove. It was just terrific, I had a great time.”
— Vietnam Veteran Jerry Inselberger
“I am so grateful for my Honor Flight Chicago experience. I have never experienced anything like that in my life. People shaking my hand, everybody so friendly, being treated like a celebrity. My whole family was touched by all of the people’s notes in the mail call pouch. Thank you for all of your hard work.”
— WWII Veteran Edward Bernius
“Just wanted you to know I had a great time on the flight! When we went through both airports and I saw folks who weren’t even a part of the flight stand and clap it really felt good. Everyone was so nice. The mail call packet was nice. Some of them brought tears to my eyes. Again I applaud all you folks for doing what you are doing.”
— Vietnam Veteran Fred “Doc” Moffatt
“I want to compliment your whole organization. I really enjoyed the trip, it was my first time in Washington, D.C. I couldn’t have asked for any better arrangement. You treated me with a lot of honor, and sometimes deep inside I feel like I don’t deserve it but you treated me with such honor.”
— Vietnam Veteran Ronald Kupczyk
“I shall not forget the experience of September 16, 2021, and shall cherish it for the remainder of my life. As a veteran coming home from Vietnam, I did not experience any fanfare or even a “thanks for your service.” I am sure that many of the other veterans have similar stories. Perhaps the trip to D.C. will bring closure for them as it has done for me. Thank you for providing me this experience.”
— Vietnam Veteran Joseph Stendebach
“Beautiful! Wonderful! I’m so glad I went! It was the experience of a lifetime. Just excellent. Everyone I came in contact with during the whole trip was awesome. So generous and nice. I had the best Guardian. The reception at Midway was unreal. I’ll never forget this one. I said in church that it took me 56 years to get here but it was well worth it. You and everyone involved every step of the way did a splendid job on this one. I can’t thank you all enough.”
— Vietnam Veteran Willie Lymon
“I just wanted to thank you and everyone else involved with Honor Flight Chicago. That whole day was something I will never forget. I was truly overwhelmed the way we were honored everywhere we went. Your volunteers could not have been more helpful. I really can’t express how honored I felt walking through that crowd of people when we arrived back at Midway. I am truly blessed to have been on that flight. THANK YOU SO MUCH.”
— Vietnam Veteran William Zimmer
“Although I had been a Guardian a few years back and knew some of the day’s events, I was surprised how different the feeling is when you are in the Grey shirt as opposed to an orange or green one. The day was truly fantastic and although I have also read numerous Veterans survey letters and thought I understood them, my eyes and heart were opened beyond belief. My day was more than a day; it was a lifetime of excitement and camaraderie experiences rolled into an 18-hour period.”
— Vietnam Veteran Vic Sassolino
