Larry Nazimek: A veterans advocate

By Marilyn Lucas, Honor Flight Chicago Veteran Interview Volunteer

This captain comes from a long line of veterans. His grandfather served in World War I. His father and uncle both served in World War II. Larry Nazimek, an only child, who grew up in Chicago, attended Saint Hyacinth, a private school now closed. His childhood goal was to fly. Even as a small boy in the sandbox, he had his eyes on the planes flying overhead.

Larry attended University of Illinois at Champaign, Urbana, where he received a B.S. and M.S. in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering. He knew he was destined for adventure when he proclaimed his rocket propulsion class was his most interesting class. After graduation he went on to work for McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Company with the job title of Assoc. Engineer/scientist. He worked on the Spartan ABM and Skylab project during this time.

While working for McDonnell Douglas, Larry took the opportunity to attend flight school at Sacramento Executive Airport. Having a private pilot’s license enabled him to avoid the Flight screening program. Larry enlisted in the Air Force in 1973 at the age of 23. OTC at that time was located in San Antonio, Texas. He went in as a staff sergeant and within three months he became a second lieutenant.

At that particular time there was a greater need for navigators as opposed to pilots. He attended navigation school in Sacramento, California. He now was qualified not only as a pilot but also as a navigator. He trained on the T-29 which was called the “flying classroom“. He attributes his expertise on World War II technology of airplanes to his experience in the “flying classroom”. He later became a back-seater weapons system officer, in the F4 phantom.  After submitting several letters from colonels and generals, he was accepted into pilot training. He trained on T-37 and the T-38. He went on to fly B-52’s. After training Larry was sent to Okinawa flying the F-4D.

In 1976 Larry was sent to Korea during Operation Paul Bunyan. this particular operation was the result of two military men trimming a tree in the DMZ. The tree obscured visibility to a key checkpoint. This heavily militarized border during the Cold War was known for constant “saber rattling”. Two American soldiers were killed during this incident and nearly started World War III. In retaliation the US sent over 300 troops as a show of deterrence and strength.  The mission was to fell the trees that had triggered the crisis, and show North Korea any act of aggression would be met with a powerful response. Larry’s mission was to be ready at any given moment to attack. 

1977 was Goldsboro, North Carolina, where he practiced dropping 25-pound bombs from an F-4.   He ended up being one of the instructors from Del Rio Texas to Castle Air Force Base to Grand Forks North Dakota where he served his last few years in the service. As Larry describes it “those last four years during the Cold War were spent in a very cold place.”

After a 12-year stint in the Air Force, Larry returned to the states.  He found the job market extremely limited because of all the returning pilots from the war. One of his many jobs was with Prompt Air. Unfortunately his first mission ended with him crashing his plane due to a lost engine and landing upside down in a field. He was temporarily blinded, broke his arm, and tore open his left thigh. He attributes his Air Force Survival School training to his survival. He followed his training to find a straight line. He was able to locate a fence in the field and followed that straight line, which led him to a trailer and was able to call for help. Needless to say that was the end of his career with Prompt Air. The crash also impacted his ability to fly for American Eagle. Not being one to sit still, Larry found a job with a small charter company flying Lear jets. The shifts were erratic, mostly flying transplant organs. During that short stint he had the opportunity to fly The Beach Boys, which he said was hilarious. Of his many jobs, Larry also worked for “Lifeline Pilot”. This volunteer work consisted of flights for medical situations. 

Captain Nazimek is a formidable presence as the current chairman of the Coalition of Veterans Organizations. Larry was one of the 24 Chicago veterans receiving the award for outstanding contributions to their professions and communities at the annual ball in 2024. As a dedicated advocate, Larry emphasizes the importance of united efforts saying “we speak louder when we join together to speak with one voice.” He has been extremely vocal regarding the benefits of Medicaid recipients versus the benefits received by veterans. He has been a strong proponent of dental plans for veterans. Recently he has worked closely with congresswoman Delia Ramirez, the ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee’s Compliance and Investigation  Subcommittee regarding the impact of today’s current cutbacks on veterans. While he is very interested in today’s politics, he made it a point to say “there is no R or D on the dog tags.”

Larry has still found time to serve on the Veterans and Families Advisory Counsel at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. He is also a Beat Facilitator in the Cities Community Policing Program and a member of the 25th District Advisory Council.  In his spare time, which he seems to have none of, Larry has dabbled in acting. He is a member of the Screen Actors Guild. He can be seen on such programs as Chicago PD, Sirens, Betrayal, and most importantly a Chicago Cubs favorite, Old Style beer commercials. Oh and let’s not forget that he was a torch bearer for the 2002 Olympics. Larry carried the torch up the steps of the Museum of Science and Industry, while they were playing the Air Force song. He gave a brief speech and still has his white uniform to this day.

Captain Nazimek is also listed on the Wall of Honor at the National Air and Space Museum for his lifetime achievements. As this is not enough, let us mention the fact that Larry is published. He has written articles for various aviation magazines, for example “In Flight USA”. In his mini adventures he has also managed to fly during practice rounds with various flying teams for media promotions. Of his many experiences, Larry had the opportunity to do a tandem jump with the Golden Knights and rode on the “vomit comet,” which he later wrote an article about his experience. Larry maintains a membership with the Chicago Vets, Veteran Strike Force, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and the Experimental Aircraft Association.

Captain Larry Nazimek has had an amazing life, so many different adventures, which makes him an extremely interesting interview. The most admirable takeaway is his dedication to the veterans and the ongoing purpose to improve their lives. We salute you Larry! Your service continues in your volunteer work for your fellow Americans.

Larry, thank you for your years of service to our country. Enjoy your day of honor as you experience Washington D.C…..and We look forward to WELCOMING YOU HOME!