Chances are high that if you arrived at Dulles Airport on an Honor Flight Chicago flight you were warmly greeted by DC-based volunteer, Regina Martin. Regina has worn many different hats (or in our case, colored shirts) during her time with Honor Flight Chicago. For the past six years she has volunteered her time as a guardian, assistant bus captain, and photographer.
Growing up with a father that served in the Navy for 32 years, Regina experienced firsthand the sacrifice and valor of all those men and women who serve our country. Her father, like many other veterans, never spoke about his experiences in the service. The honor flight program focuses on showing all veterans an appreciation for their time in the military. It is an opportunity to not only say thank you but to also allow for their stories to be heard, valued, and honored.
Regina initially got involved with Honor Flight Chicago when she worked at the USO. A former volunteer coordinator with Honor Flight, Renda Overbo, was a colleague of hers and questioned why she hadn’t ever participated in one of these inspiring events. The rest, as they say, is history. Since that time, Regina has volunteered with over 25 honor flights coming from hubs in Chicago, Indiana, and Top of Virginia. She has continued to come back year after year because of the amazing bond that is created between a veteran and their guardian in just a short amount of time.
Asked about her “favorites”, Regina responded that although all are special, she particularly likes the Korean War Memorial because of how realistic the statues are and how it represents the 38th parallel. Some of her favorite Honor Flight Chicago memories include watching a Vietnam veteran find his friend’s name on the memorial wall and give his soldier in arms a salute. She also treasures the memories and the bond she made during her very first time as a guardian when she met and spent the day with WWII veteran, Frank Chulay. Regina enjoys staying in touch with her veterans through email or by connecting with their family members through social media. She even had plans to meet one of her veteran’s daughters this year but unfortunately was unable to due to the ongoing pandemic.
As a photographer for Honor Flight Chicago, Regina has taken many pictures throughout the years. These photos are widely shared with all Honor Flight participants and provide lasting memories of the day to the veterans who spend the day in our nation’s capital. Some of her personal favorite photographs are highlighted below.
Thinking about volunteering with Honor Flight Chicago? Regina would tell you not to hesitate. “Once you do it, you are hooked,” she said. “It makes your soul feel good.”
First Honor Flight with a Vietnam Veteran visiting the memorial wall.
A veteran was surprised to find out his grandson would be his guardian for the day. It was extra special when he got to meet his great-grandchild for the first time during his arrival at the airport.
Veterans are greeted at the airport by people of all ages. The veterans in particular love to see the children upon their arrival.
Thinking about volunteering with Honor Flight Chicago? Regina would tell you not to hesitate. In her words, “Once you do it, you are hooked. It makes your soul feel good.” Not only is it a wonderful way to give back to those who served, but it is personally rewarding to volunteer as a guardian as well. You will forge incredible bonds and create lasting memories for yourself and your veteran.
Regina, Honor Flight Chicago would like to thank you for all that you have done for the organization.