Each time we fly a plane filled with senior war veterans to Washington, D.C., I love being able to sit back and watch the camaraderie that naturally develops among the veterans.
Oftentimes, these men and women have never met each other, but they share a common bond, and by the end of the day it feels as if they’ve known each other for years. Sometimes, though, we are able to match a pair of long-time friends together on the same flight, and when that happens, well, the connection is just so fun to watch.
That’s what happened on our most recent flight with 93-year-old Joseph Johnson and 86-year-old James Alexander. The two both served in the Army — Johnson during World War II and Alexander during the Korean War. Both served more than 25 years with the Chicago Police Department. They’ve been friends for years.
It was an honor to watch as each was greeted as heroes, but it was even more enjoyable to watch as they shared in the experience together. Afterward, I spoke with each to ask them about the day, and their responses brought a smile to my face.
“I was just elated all day,” Johnson said. “And coming through that terminal with the enthusiasm of the crowd of people, and the bagpipers, and the governor, it was as if the war had just ended!”
Here’s how Alexander described the day:
“The way we were greeted and treated, it was like we were in a fairy tale. The greetings in DC and Chicago nearly brought tears to my eyes. There is only one word to describe my day: UNBELIEVABLE!
James and Joseph, I’m glad you had such a memorable experience, and to each and every one of the veterans who flew with us, thank you for your service, and thank you for letting us give you your well-deserved Day of Honor.
Serving with pride,
James Alexander
Joe Johnson
“Terrific, beautiful, from beginning to end it was perfect. Every place we visited, every person we ran into, could not have been nicer. This was something you remember for your whole life.”
— Charles Siedlecki, WWII, Navy, Age 95
“What stood out to me the most was the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Their precision was phenomenal. And you folks made us feel so fantastic! Every volunteer was just unbelievable! Even the Governor shook my hand.”
— John “Whitey” Hoffmeister, Korean War vet, Marine Corps, Age 86
“I really enjoyed being with my fellow vets since we have a common denominator. The trip was fabulous, especially being surrounded by your peers. Age has no factor in it. And your volunteers understood their role and took pride in doing it well.”
— Glenn Frederickson, WWII, Army, Age 90
“I was just sitting here sorta bawling as I read my Mail Call. My day was beyond fantastic. I was absolutely blown away by the reception at Dulles Airport and the band. And the way you moved around 100 vets, all of them with their handlers. I have seen the Korean War Memorial before, but seeing it this time, it had much more meaning.”
— Herb Nadelhoffer, Korean War veteran, Army, Age 89
“As FDR put it so well, July 11th was a “day that will live in infamy.” You know, I had never been to D.C., and it was just a phenomenal, fabulous experience. You guys covered every base. I stand in awe. You people really did a bang-up job. I even shook the Governor’s hand.”
— Bill Knauz, Korean War veteran, Army, Age 89
