OT: Honor Flight Program for Vets

[ckcarr]

So my dad was selected for an Honor Flight out of Midway Airport in Chicago. It's occuring right now, today. He is being escorted by my younger brother.

He joined the Navy at the age of 15, lied about his age. Ended up on an LCI No. 981 and spent his tour in the South Pacific and China. He survived, although many of the troops they transported to those islands did not. Saw places most of us will never, ever see, and also the horrors of war out on those islands.

For those that don't know what the Honor Flight program is, it is a fairly big deal. There is a waiting list of approximately 16,000 vets from WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, etc. but the focus is on the WWII vets as they are disappearing fast.

In a way it's a melancholy event, the picture of him in the Navy and how he is now in his wheelchair show how quickly time passes. They had a big sendoff party for him at the assisted care center he is now a resident of, and will be doing a small article about him in the Chicago Northwest Suburbs edition of the Tribune.

When they arrive in Washington they are bussed to the (fairly new) WWII memorial and given time to reflect, tell stories, etc. Ironically the memorial was just completed in 2004. After that, they go to other well known memorials, etc. and eventually arrive back in Chicago late tonight.

Information here on the WWII Memorial: National WWII Memorial

As far as the Honor Flight, this is their web site: Honor Flight Network

One reason I'm posting this is because some of you may not know this flight exists, it is a national program, and if you have a father, brother, relative, or friend that would be interested in this flight, you should look into it for them. Priority is being given to the WWII vets, but all should/can apply. It is quite an emotional event for all of the vets that participate and you would be doing something for them they will never forget.

Oops, forgot. Here is a 10 minute documetary on the program narrated by the actor Gary Sinise... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3wX5TRwLFU

[wswartzwel]

nice, thanks for the info. bet your dad is enjoying it.

i think bob hancock flew in WW1. didn't he.

[1100s nut]

Craig, thanks for sharing this and good for your dad...it is great he can be a part of this! He is from a incredible generation....and not just combat, they are a can do group of people. I have learned a lot from that generation...they have helped me to be the person I am today and helped to get where I am today...well, along with my parents.

Be safe,
Lane

[EZ-RIDER]

Originally Posted by wswartzwel

nice, thanks for the info. bet your dad is enjoying it.

i think bob hancock flew in WW1. didn't he.

Yes he was a back seater in WWI

[Effjay]

What a wonderful tribute to veterans such as your father! Maybe share a follow up report on how his memorable trip unfolded?

My late pop was WW2 pilot instructor in B-17 aircraft (also B-29 in late stages of war). I know he too would have felt honored to be selected for such a flight (likely would have asked to "sit up front" so to speak ).

[Bob Hancock]

Originally Posted by wswartzwel

nice, thanks for the info. bet your dad is enjoying it.

i think bob hancock flew in WW1. didn't he.

Nope. Civil War. Balloon Corps. Still have the binoculars.

[wswartzwel]

lol!!

[Guest24]

My Rotary Club soponsors WWII Vets in our local area going to the WWII memorial. It is one of the most rewarding experiences for each veteran and his companion. They have such limited time left to gaze upon thier memorial that was bought at a great price, and I'm not talking about dollars. They always tell us on their return that the real hearos are the ones they left over there who never got the experience the fruits of their service. The same goes for those who serve today.

[twodear]

WWII vets are finally being recognised nearly as often as they should. My Dad served in the army in the Philippines. 10-12 years back my brother gave him the fairly simple gift of a ballcap with the words "WWII Vet".

In the last five years a growing number of people have been recognising his service by paying for the folks meals at the two cafes that they frequent in Glendive Montana. Sometimes the good samaritan(s) will want to shake his hand, other times they remain incognito, just pay the bill and let the waitress tell the folks they just ate for free.

That is in Eastern Montana, doesn't work so well for my wifes father in Texas who served in Europe.

Regardless - the respect is growing and I hope it continues to those that served in Korea, Viet Nam and now the middle east.

[AndrewA]

My Dad was a 16 year old punk when he enlisted and joined the WWII effort. I suspect he thought it might be a great way to get free cigarettes on a regular basis, meet random french chicks that he could ply with good old USA government chocolate, and an easy way to get the hell out of the Bronx.

I can't even imagine sending my son off to war at such a tender age, and am eternally grateful to all that have gone before so that he doesn't have to.

Thanks to all of those that have served! I am grateful beyond belief!

[MoDog]

What a great program. We did that with my father-in-law the summer before the cancer finally got him. He served in France during WWII, and the trip (and time among other vets) meant a lot to him.

[ckcarr]

Thanks guys!

It's for all of you that have relatives or friends that might enjoy this experience. It was an amazingly brutal day yesterday for an 85 year old guy. I'm sure all of them. Up at 3:00 am and on the go until at least 10:30 that same night. But it will be a memory that will be cherished by them forever.

[ckcarr]

Here is a small article on my dad and another serviceman who also took the flight that appears in the paper today.
(Although they call him a "Woodstock" man, he spent most of his adult life in Barrington, which is where I grew up. He was just recently moved to this Woodstock care facility).

Northwest Herald | Trip honors Woodstock men for WWII service

[Bob Hancock]

Originally Posted by ckcarr

Here is a small article on my dad and another serviceman who also took the flight that appears in the paper today.
(Although they call him a "Woodstock" man, he spent most of his adult life in Barrington, which is where I grew up. He was just recently moved to this Woodstock care facility).

Northwest Herald | Trip honors Woodstock men for WWII service

Most excellent, ck. Thanks for sharing this about your dad and his trip.

[ckcarr]

Thanks Bob!,

It's not just about him, but all the vets.

There were basically three phases to the trip.


1. The sendoff.



He lives here now. They decorated for the event.



They had treats.



I think my dad is in shock.



A family photo



A frisky nurse... I think he liked it though.



Harley dudes then showed up to escort him out of town.


They also gave him these out of respect for his service.



And then they headed down the highway. Too bad it was in a Prius.

[ckcarr]

2. The trip


Upon arrival in Washington the Andrews sisters were there.


Heading into town with other vets, servicemenn, and escorts.


Looking out the window. Iwo Jima Memorial.




Color guard.


Don't know where the water is here. The government probably sold it.

[ckcarr]

3. The Homecoming.
When they thought it was all over, they get back to Midway Airport at 10:00 pm and are woke up for a party!













And that's it.
A great program for our vets!

[Bob Hancock]

I'm real glad you were there to chronicle this for him and the family. What a wonderful thing to do!

[Bob Hancock]

Originally Posted by ckcarr

2. The trip


Color guard.

My fav. I never lost the thrill of saluting the flag.

[Effjay]

And then they headed down the highway. Too bad it was in a Prius.

As Kermit might say, "its not easy being green"

What a wonderful tribute by all involved! Loved the article and great pics too. Thanks for sharing with us!