Mary Pettinato to step aside from CEO role

If you were on your deathbed, what’s one thing you would wish you’d done during your lifetime?

Eleven years ago, I asked that question to my 89-year-old dad, a World War II veteran. His response was that he wanted to see the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Within days, my mom and I escorted him to see the memorial built in his honor, and it was that experience that inspired me to co-found Honor Flight Chicago.

Honor Flight Chicago has been my passion since 2008, but I am stepping aside from my role as CEO so that I can commit more time to my loved ones.

Honor Flight Chicago has flown more than 8,000 senior war veterans to D.C. for a day of honor and thanks. On each of the 88 flights we’ve flown, I made sure to carve out a few minutes to think about that experience with my dad and the conversation that started it all.

Earlier this year, one of my closest friends presented me with the same hypothetical scenario. It didn’t take long for me to say that I wished I could travel more and spend more time with my kids and grandkids.

I kept that answer in the back of my mind throughout this past flight season, and as we approached the end of this incredible 11th year of flying veterans to D.C., I realized that my answer didn’t have to be a regret. I could do more traveling. I could have more family time.

I just needed to make the decision, and so I’m making it now.

I say that I want to be with those I love, but the reality is I’ve done that since the start of Honor Flight Chicago. At this point, I consider everyone involved with Honor Flight Chicago part of my family. Our veterans talk about the brotherhood they felt in combat. Well, there is a similar camaraderie between everyone who plays a role in giving our veterans a day they will never forget.

I’ve gotten to know thousands of unbelievable men and women who gave their time to help thank our veterans. Birthdays, weddings, funerals, babies — I’ve seen the entire life cycle through the eyes and experiences of our dedicated Honor Flight Chicago family.

It has been my honor to represent Honor Flight Chicago and our senior war heroes, and although I am stepping aside, I’m not stepping away. I will continue helping to honor our veterans and I will serve on the Honor Flight Chicago Board of Directors.

Honor Flight Chicago intends to continue its mission to include past, present, and future veterans as we strive to recognize their bravery, determination and patriotism. I will continue to be a part of that future.

As I look forward to this next chapter in my life, I think back to that trip to D.C. with my dad. As we toured the World War II Memorial, there was a moment when my dad and I were together in front of the Freedom Wall. Our eyes were locked in on the 4,000 gold stars meant to represent the more than 400,000 Americans who gave their lives during the war. Time seemed to stop as neither of us said a word.

After about a minute of silence, my dad squeezed my hand, and without turning away from the stars, he whispered two words. They would go on to be the two words at the heart of Honor Flight Chicago, and they are the two words I feel compelled to say to each and every one of you who has helped me and who continue to support Honor Flight Chicago and its mission. Thank you!

Serving with pride,

Mary Pettinato
CEO and Co-Founder, Honor Flight Chicago